Patient Testimonials
The following was provided by Patricia Dalton, Executive Director of Project Access in Kent County (Grand Rapids) Michigan. Project Access in Kent County is a joint program between the Kent County Medical Society and the Kent County Osteopathic Association. To contact Ms. Dalton, email: patricia@kcms.org
Creating a Community of Care for the Uninsured
Patient Self-Reported Outcomes and Physician Testimonials
- A recently-released prisoner needing shoulder surgery (in order to work in construction) was able to receive surgery through the gift of a local Orthopedic surgeon. He called in the week after his surgery, "Hi. This is Robert C. I wanted to thank you for helping me out. I had my surgery yesterday and look forward to getting back to work in a few months. I want to tell you thank you and let you know I’ll make good on it. Thank you."
- A woman who received neck and back surgeries to improve mobility and reduce pain has shared her comments, one year after the surgery, "Dear Project Access. I want to thank you and everyone associated with this wonderful organization. As a result from all of the help I’ve been blessed with, I’ve been able to receive the medical treatment I need. I also have several medications that are very expensive. Once again, Project Access was there for help. They enrolled me into many different programs that have allowed me to receive my medication for free or at a very low cost. The words "thank-you" seems so insignificant for everything Project Access has done for me. God bless everyone involved. Sincerely, Kathy."
- A semi-retired uninsured farmer was directed by his wife to see a doctor. The doctor referred him to Project Access. He qualified and was sent for a medical exam. His lungs were full of fluid and he was immediately admitted to intensive care. Enrollment in Project Access saved his life. He was in the program for six months until he became age eligible for Medicare.
- A 23-year old male lost employment because of incontinence. He was referred to Project Access from a free medical clinic. He was successfully diagnosed and treated for bladder cancer. The clinic staff expressed frustration as, until Project Access was available, their staff could not find affordable diagnostic alternatives for the patient; nor could they secure a urologist referral. Project Access secured x-rays, lab work; a urologist and cancer treatment were provided at 100% no cost. He is now able to seek employment.
- An uninsured single mom, age 46, with a part-time job expressed gratitude for finally having a personal physician and being treated with dignity in the Project Access enrollment process. She had been in need of long-overdue diagnostic tests. Her female family members have had breast cancer scares, and she had become very concerned regarding a recently discovered lump. She was grateful to have been able to speak confidentially with her "own" doctor to discuss her risk. Through Project Access, she was able to obtain her first mammogram in four years, which comforted her fears.
- Recently a colo-rectal surgeon talked with the Executive Director regarding patients. Unlike other patients who receive Medicaid, Kent Health Plan, or are uninsured, Project Access patients are different. He reported that the difference ensures, (consistent with all Project Access patients) they 1) show up ready for the appointment, and on time; 2) they thank he and the staff at various times though the appointment and 3) they are grateful for the care they are receiving and know show they feel "lucky" to be part of Project Access.
- A patient recently reported that prior to having her critical back surgery; she met with her two surgeons who would be performing the procedure. She reported that after learning about what the physicians were willing to do, and knowing that she would have a better result if she stopped smoking, she broke a 30-plus year nicotine habit. She reported that the gift of "not smoking again" was the only way she could assure her surgeons that she understood what they were doing for her. She now can sit on the floor with her grand-children, for whom she is the legal guardian, and play with them.
- "Project Access is a vital part of my life….I want to thank you once more for providing this life sustaining benefit in my life. I cannot sing the praises of this project high or long enough to everyone I come in contact with."