Thanking Dr. Smiley and NW Renal Clinic
Dr. Clayton Smiley became a volunteer with Project Access NOW when he joined Northwest Renal Clinic. Having practiced in the military prior to joining the group, Dr. Smiley hadn’t done charity care before.
“It’s a non-bureaucratic, user-friendly program, and a wonderful experience to be a part of,” he said.
Dr. Smiley recognizes that physicians “want to take care of patients. Most don’t care whether the patient has health insurance.”
What’s more, the program gives Dr. Smiley an opportunity “to take care of [uninsured] patients. I have something I can give and I want to do it in the best way possible. I’m glad I can provide the service.”
As an example of the impact Project Access NOW has, Dr. Smiley mentioned a case of a “young man with membranous nepropathy”. All tests and treatments were done through the program, allowing the patient to get dialysis he’d have to have delayed for a long time, if he’d get it at all.
“Through coordinated care the patient got what care he needed to prevent the onset of kidney failure,” Dr. Smiley said.
Dr. Smiley’s experience with the program has been positive. “I haven’t noticed any downsides,” he said. “All referrals have been appropriate, all came with all the records I needed. I’m always able to talk to the referring physicians. If anything else is required, there’s a [care] coordinator who can help. It’s a very seamless process.”
According to Dr. Smiley, the main benefit from being involved with Project Access NOW is the ability to help people who need care and “perhaps make a difference in the lives of patients and the community.”
Lastly, Dr. Smiley encouraged fellow physicians to not “wait for what may happen in the future with the health reform. People need help now. You can provide the service to them today.”
(April 2010)
