Insurance Company Launches Mobile Health Clinic

A West Virginia health insurance company is launching a mobile clinic to improve access to care for certain patients across the state.

Health Care on the Go is an initiative of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia. It serves Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act patients. According to a press release, many patients covered through those services weren’t getting necessary medical care or preventative health screenings because of issues traveling to see their doctors. The hope is that the mobile clinic will serve members who have trouble making or keeping doctor’s appointments. 

The clinic will be staffed with a network of local physicians and nurses. Medical services will include annual wellness visits and immunizations, osteoporosis testing for women who have recently had fractures, retinal eye exams for diabetics, colorectal cancer screenings, postpartum care and medication reviews.

The press release says the mobile clinic will initially focus its efforts on back to school health screenings near flood-stricken areas across the state.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from the Benedum Foundation.