Chronic Disease And The Uninsured

A community “Cover the Uninsured” health fair included many screening activities with individuals lined up early in the morning. An elderly gentleman sat down in front of the nurse with the concern of decreased vision of his right eye. Upon assessment, his blood pressure was 180/96, his left foot had two necrotic appearing toes, and his hemoglobin A1C was 10.2 upon fingerstick. He said he had no money for a doctor visit but was concerned when he started to have trouble with his vision and his toes. His last visit to a doctor had been about a year ago, when he was told he had diabetes and would need medication. The gentleman was assisted with a new eligibility application for sliding fee care at a nearby community health center and enrolled in its chronic disease program for patients with diabetes.