Rural health clinic offers assistance
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Millen and Jenkins County now have an avenue of assistance for obtaining needed medical treatment through the Jenkins County Family Medicine practice located at 961 East Winthrope Avenue. Designation as a "National Health Service Corps Site" by the state allows the organization to offer clients a sliding fee payment option.

Discounted/sliding fee plans are offered to patients only for services rendered at the rural health clinic. Laboratory testing, drugs, x-rays and similar services provided outside the practice are not covered. Fees are based upon federal poverty guidelines and patient eligibility is determined by annual income and family size.

"A typical co-pay fee is often between $5 and $15," said director Isaac Green. "Patients between 101-200 percent of poverty are expected to pay some percentage of the full fee. A discounted/sliding fee plan applies to underinsured and uninsured patients."

In order to qualify for discounted/ sliding fee services, patients must submit a copy of their last two paycheck stubs, or a copy of their most recent Federal and/or Georgia Income Tax Return, or unemployment compensation letter, or Social Security benefits/disability letter or Medicaid Denial Letter.

Green also noted that qualifying for financial assistance at Jenkins County Family Medicine does not automatically qualify patients for assistance at the Jenkins County Hospital.

"Jenkins County Hospital has a different financial assistance program that patients must apply for through them," he said.

Green called attention to the fact that Jenkins County Family Medicine is not restricted to patients who need financial assistance obtaining medical treatment.

"Anyone can seek medical treatment at our facility," said Green.

Jenkins County Family Medicine, is staffed by doctors Edmund Byne Jr., M. L. Campo and Jim Tinley, along with nursing staff.

For additional information on the financial assistance program, contact Green at 982-5681.