Thanking Dr. Jennifer Mahnke and The Vancouver Clinic
As is often the case, Dr. Jennifer Mahnke heard about Project Access NOW from her colleagues: Dr. Sally Williams advocates for the program at The Vancouver Clinic, and Dr. John Nusser, a Project Access NOW Board member, promoted the program at the Clark County Medical Society.
“It’s a great idea for the community,” Dr. Mahnke said. “There are certainly lots of people out there with the need.”
Dr. Mahnke, an OBGYN at The Vancouver Clinic, sees Project Access patients both in the emergency room, where she covers patients unassigned to particular physicians when on call, and at her regular practice.
She said, “It’s about half and half between ER and the practice. I recommend anyone who’s uninsured and will need financial assistance that they look into Project Access.”
Dr. Mahnke has found that patients who had no medical care for a prolonged period tend to have more issues than those that brought them in. Typical of those issues are hypertension and conditions that would increase the risk of surgery unless they get taken care of. She then helps patients get care through Project Access.
“The [Project Access] process usually required minimal additional paperwork on my part,” Dr. Mahnke said. “Once you understand how the system works, it’s easy to participate. Most importantly, patients get the care they need. It’s worth the effort.”
Having been a Project Access NOW volunteer physician for over 2 years now, Dr. Mahnke has also found the system has improved over the years. “Things are happening more quickly and efficiently than at the beginning.”
In recommending participation in the program to other physicians, Dr. Mahnke said, “There are a lot of people without insurance. The program should continue, and I encourage doctors to be a part of it. It’s a great way to serve the community.”
(October 2010)
