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Health Expedition returning to Wise County July 24-26

Published July 13th, 2009 | 2 Comments

WISE — The Remote Area Medical (RAM) Health Expedition will return for its ninth year in Wise County at the county fairgrounds on July 24-26. Volunteer health professionals provide free dental, medical and vision services to the uninsured, underinsured and all others who cannot afford to pay for health care services.

Last year the Wise County RAM recorded 5,586 patient encounters for more than $1.9 million worth of free basic health care services. St. Mary’s Health Wagon Operations Director Karen O’Quinn said this year’s RAM will include a larger dental services operation.

Fast-track medical will also be available this year. If patients are not coming for eye or dental needs, then a fast-track option will be available to prevent patients from having to stand in long lines.

Fast-track patients will receive a hand stamp and will not be allowed to change their minds for eye or dental services once inside the gate. RAM organizers hope the fast-track option will encourage patients to receive needed medical care or screenings they may have been putting off due to long lines.

Complete eye exams will be offered by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Opticians will be making prescription eyeglasses on site. A fast track to eyeglasses is for patients to bring a lens prescription no more than 12 months old. Glaucoma testing will also be available.

Dental care will include cleanings, fillings and extractions. Oral surgeons will be available to perform biopsies and screen for mouth and throat cancer.

All available spaces for dentures have already been filled, but ill-fitting dentures could be realigned.

Individuals who are having difficulty hearing or want their hearing evaluated can receive exams by audiologists. Patients requiring a hearing aid can be assisted obtaining the devices. A team of ear, nose and throat specialists from the University of Virginia will also be returning to this year’s event.

Medical personnel will conduct physical examinations and complete medical histories. Prostate and testicular exams will be available. Ultrasounds and EKGs will be available if necessary. Specialists in gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, otolaryngology, internal medicine, pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, cardiology, urology and women’s health will be available on site and via telemedicine consultation.

A plastic surgeon and dermatologist will evaluate skin lesions and perform skin cancer screenings. Biopsies and removal of suspicious lesions may be performed when medically appropriate and indicated.

A pulmonologist will provide pulmonary function testing. Chest X-rays will be available, and smoking cessation assistance and support will be on site.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy will be offered to aid in the detection of colon cancer. The procedure is recommended for all over the age of 50 or those under age 50 with risk factors such as family history, colon polyps, genetic conditions, etc. Appointments are required by calling (276) 328-8000 to schedule.

Osteopathic treatments to improve mobility and relieve muscle pain will be available. A painless and non-invasive technique will be available to measure bone density in the heel of a foot to determine if someone is at risk for osteoporosis.

Free mammograms are available for eligible women. The American Breast Cancer Foundation and United Breast Cancer Foundation will provide assistance for women who may not be eligible for free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Women can receive breast exams and Pap smears, and ultrasound will be available to provide ovarian cancer screening.

Registration will begin at 6 a.m. daily. Patients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of prior scheduled appointments such as mammograms or flexible sigmoidoscopies.

If transportation is needed, residents of Norton and Wise, Lee and Scott counties can call Mountain Empire Older Citizens Inc. at 1-888-877-6748. Two weeks notice would be appreciated.

Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell and Buchanan county residents may call Four County Transit at 1-888-656-2272.

All patients must bring all prescription medication information with them to the event. Bagged lunches and water will be provided to patients. People are also encouraged to pack sunscreen and an umbrella.

For more information call The Health Wagon at (276) 835-9474.

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Thanks to RAM, people who need health care thank you.

As a former health care giver, I am shocked and saddened to see what has become of health care in America. $ 1. 4 million is being spent per day in DC by the health care lobbyists so your elected representative is getting taken care of and has quality health care we pay for and can't afford ourselves for our families, I know what is deemed, defended and supported in Tennessee and Virginia as quality health care and clearly profit care comes ahead of patient care. http://www.wisecountyissues.com/?p=62 MRSA ( methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureas ) is infesting our communities because filthy, uncaring hospitals and emergency rooms are breeding them and spreading them into our schools, homes, restaurants. How many more Americans' will be diseased or die while 74 % of Americans' are begging for health care reform ? More people died in America last year from MRSA complications than AIDS. When MRSA and a flu bug start mixing, it won't be pretty and we are being infected by the very health care system we depend on and trust to keep us safe and healthy.

If America had the best health care in the world, people wouldn't have to depend on folks like this.

Tim Mullins | 7/14/2009 - 11:13 PM - ( Comment

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Hi - Just read Steve Igo's story about the RAM expedition that will occur in Wise on July 24-26. Glad that you are getting the word out about this important event. My concern is that the participation and contribution of UVA Health System is grossly understated in the story. As Igo writes: A team of ear, nose and throat specialists from the University of Virginia will also be returning to this year’s event.
Unfortunately, the story doesn't let readers know that UVA medical specialists/volunteers will also be providing a wide variety of services, including (to quote Mr. Igo's story):

Medical personnel will conduct physical examinations and complete medical histories. Prostate and testicular exams will be available. Ultrasounds and EKGs will be available if necessary. Specialists in gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, otolaryngology, internal medicine, pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, cardiology, urology and women’s health will be available on site and via telemedicine consultation.
… A pulmonologist will provide pulmonary function testing. Chest X-rays will be available, and smoking cessation assistance and support will be on site.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy will be offered to aid in the detection of colon cancer. The procedure is recommended for all over the age of 50 or those under age 50 with risk factors such as family history, colon polyps, genetic conditions, etc.

… Free mammograms are available for eligible women. The American Breast Cancer Foundation and United Breast Cancer Foundation will provide assistance for women who may not be eligible for free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Women can receive breast exams and Pap smears, and ultrasound will be available to provide ovarian cancer screening.

UVA volunteers spend a tremendous amount of time preparing for, attending and following-up with patients after the RAM clinic in Wise. They give generously of their time and expertise because of their desire to serve and care for others. Like most of us, they appreciate receiving credit when credit is due, and that’s what will be helpful to include in your newspaper’s future coverage of
the annual RAM clinic in Wise.

Ellen McKenna | 7/14/2009 - 11:15 AM - ( Comment

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