CMA

The Physicians Free Clinic (PFC), an affiliate organization of the Columbus Medical Association, was created in March of 1993 It began out of a perceived altruistic need by physicians.  In addition to offering medical care to the most medically fragile Franklin county residents, volunteer physicians were also interested in opportunities to mentor medical students from the local university. Since opening its doors to the public in 1993, PFC has served more than 33,000 patients.

The Physicians Free Clinic operates a Monday evening walk-in episodic primary care clinic that provides urgent care, specialty care and support services for Franklin County residents at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level without health insurance.  PFC does not serve as a medical home but acts a “gateway” in linking patients to Community Health Centers (includes federally qualified health centers, hospital based and other non-profit primary care practices) in Franklin County.  The PFC also serves as a valued training site for university medical, nursing, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and nutrition students.

PFC is a member of the Ohio Association of Free Clinics. Click here for more information on the Ohio Association of Free Clinics.

PFC HISTORY

In 1991, the Community Shelter Board (CSB) requested the Columbus Health Department (CHD) to complete a study on the health care needs of the homeless. The CHD, with the assistance of Mount Carmel Health, surveyed executives and clients of shelters and prepared a report. This study included an inventory of health care services available to local shelters in 1991. The study discovered that East Central Community Organization Health Center (ECCO) was the primary health care provider for the homeless. Also providing care were the Open Shelter, Homeless Families Foundation and Mount Carmel Health Outreach. The report also noted major health care issues including access to health care, dental services, immunizations, early intervention and prevention screening services, health education, prescription medications and drug/alcohol treatment services.

In 1992, the CSB and the CHD met an Advisory Roundtable to address homeless health care issues. A work group was established and proposed a nursing case management model as an option to strengthen links between shelters and existing community health care providers.

In February 1993, the Health Care Advisory Committee met with representatives from the homeless shelters, CHD and Mount Carmel Health Outreach. At that time, a proposal came forth from the Academy of Medicine of Franklin County (now the Columbus Medical Association) to establish an evening walk-in, episodic care clinic in the downtown area for homeless and other medically indigent individuals. This effort was to increase accessibility and availability of health care services and to link persons to ongoing primary care providers. In addition, the inappropriate use of hospital emergency rooms would be reduced.