Humphreys County Health Department Provides Primary Care Beginning July 3
Waverly, June 30, 2006
The Humphreys County Health Department will begin offering an expanded list of adult primary care services starting July 3. The expanded services are part of the state’s Health Care Safety Net to assist uninsured Tennesseans in the local area. Basic medical services will be offered on a sliding fee scale based on income, with a $5 minimum fee for each visit. This fee will be in addition to the charges for any drugs or supplies dispensed during the visit.
“I am proud that we are on a path to bring health coverage within reach of working Tennesseans by creating a more accessible health care system,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “While the work continues to get Cover Tennessee’s program components up and running, it is also heartening to be able to extend these services.”
Earlier this month, Governor Bredesen also signed the Cover Tennessee Act, which includes initiatives to extend health coverage to uninsured children and chronically ill adults and creates a low-cost insurance program for uninsured working Tennesseans.
In addition to services previously offered, the clinics will provide treatment of acute illnesses, management of chronic diseases and referral assistance. The health department will also offer basic lab services and a limited pharmacy; however, no narcotics will be maintained at the health department site.
“Initiating adult primary care services in the Humphreys County Health Department will provide an additional resource to those who are in need if medical care,” said Mid-Cumberland Regional Health Director Rick Long. “With this expansion, individuals will now have access to primary health care services based on their individual ability to pay.”
Beyond the new adult primary care services, the Humphreys County Health Department will continue to offer the following services: for children – immunizations, Well Child/EPSDT screens, WIC nutrition services, children’s special services care coordination, prenatal and child care coordination and clinical dental services; for adults – prenatal and child care coordination, breast and cervical cancer screening, family planning services, HIV counseling and testing and sexually transmitted disease control.
The Humphreys County will provide primary care services at 725 Holly Lane in Waverly from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make an appointment or for more information, individuals are encouraged to call the Humphreys County Health Department at (931) 296-2231.
The Health Care Safety Net offers transitional assistance programs for TennCare disenrollees including prescription assistance, insulin and diabetic supplies, mental health services and a variety of programs for special populations. For more information on the Health Care Safety Net call the Health Options Hotline 1-888-486-9355 or visit www.TNHealthOptions.com.