Evaluating the Scope of Services and Monetary Impact of Charity Medical Clinics in North Texas

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: The cost of medical services is a major barrier to healthcare accessibility for underserved populations in the United States. Community charity medical clinics help address this disparity by providing free or reduced-cost care for the medically underinsured; however, their economic and public health contributions are unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the scope of services and monetary impact of 4 community charity medical clinics in North Texas, with one of the largest medically underinsured populations in the United States. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic health records from 4 clinics serving adults and children in North Texas. Encounters from June 1 to December 31, 2018 completed by with sufficient documentation to assign a level of service were reviewed. There were 3942 encounters identified and 2148 (54.5%) audited. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Evaluation and Management Standards were used to identify level of service provided for each encounter, and their subsequent value was determined based on CMS fee-for-service schedules at the time service was provided. Common conditions managed during these encounters were identified using ICD-10 codes documented with each encounter. Results: The most prevalent diagnoses encountered were hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and major depressive disorder. We estimate the total value of services and medications provided for 1 year is between $840 278.30 to $845 737.41. Conclusions: The charity clinics in North Texas provide a significant economic impact through a high level of charity care and a broad scope of services for a vulnerable patient population. The results may be used in the development and implementation of future services to meet the needs of the medically underinsured.