EHR Helps Mobile Clinic Reduce Chronic Diseases In An Underserved Population

After spending 10 years in Guatemala setting up medical clinics, Dr. Glenn Lopez returned to the U.S. determined to deliver similar low-cost, practical healthcare services in his hometown of Los Angeles. Now, Dr. Lopez operates a unique primary care practice. His 34-foot mobile clinic provides much-needed medical services in largely working-class Latino neighborhoods throughout the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

"In this country, we spend the majority of our healthcare dollars treating preventable complications of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes," says Dr. Lopez. "Many of the uninsured never see a doctor regularly and don't seek care until they are symptomatic or have permanent damage. Then they end up in the emergency room, or even worse, in the ICU, and that's when we all pay through higher insurance costs and taxes." In the San Fernando Valley, for example, 7% of all adults suffer from diabetes, while nearly 30% have high cholesterol. Nearly 40% are considered obese, according to L.A. County data from 2007.

Most days, Dr. Lopez is found parked in the parking lot of a local church, school or public park in one of 11 different San Fernando Valley communities. Patients can make an appointment, or just walk in. There is a flat $15 fee for service, and insurance is not accepted. The Amazing Charts EHR is used by Dr. Lopez and a part-time staff of three, including a pre-med student and a counselor who provides group support to people in the waiting room area of the trailer. The entire staff began using Amazing Charts immediately, with no formal training.