The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast’s (VNA) Health Care on Wheels mobile health clinic is keeping patients out of the ER and providing economic returns for the residents of Indian River County. Over a three-month period, data collected through patient surveys indicate that 68 mobile unit patients would have chosen to seek treatment at the ER for non-emergency ailments if they were unable to go to the VNA Health Care on Wheels bus.
“The Health Care on Wheels mobile clinic not only helps patients by going into communities to provide care, but it strengthens our county by preventing unnecessary ER visits,” says Lundy Fields, VNA president & CEO. “When individuals go to the ER for non-emergency reasons, it increases the cost of care for everyone in our area. The mobile unit bus gives those individuals who would otherwise seek treatment at the hospital a more appropriate and cost-effective option.”
The VNA’s Health Care on Wheels mobile health clinic provides same, day non-emergency care and connects patients with other local resources so they can get the ongoing support they need. The mobile clinic offers care to everyone who needs it, even those who cannot pay for it. The mobile unit is available to all Indian River County residents with the goal of making healthcare more accessible and collaborating with other local organizations to create a healthier community for all.