Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

WATAUGA MEDICAL CENTER - Boone, North Carolina 
Appalachian Healthcare Project

What is it?  
The Appalachian Healthcare Project (AHP) is a collaborative, volunteer initiative among the healthcare community to provide comprehensive, coordinated healthcare for the low income, uninsured persons living with a chronic condition in Watauga and Avery County, North Carolina. Patients enrolled in the program are provided a medical home and have access to diagnostic testing, needed medications, inpatient care and some specialty care.

Who is it for? 
Individuals in Watauga and Avery counties who are below the 200 percent poverty level, uninsured and have a chronic disease. Patients may be referred by a physician, the hospital, or they may be self-referred.

Why do they do it?  
The AHP was initiated in 2002 to improve the overall health and quality of life of area residents; to be proactive in preventing acute episodes for those unable to afford care; and to reduce the bad debt and charity care burden on area healthcare services providers.

Impact: 
During the first six months of 2008, the program served 174 patients at a cost of $1.3 million

Contact:   Alice Salthouse, MHA, CHE
Director of Community Outreach
Watauga Medical Center
Appalachian Healthcare Project
Telephone:  828-268-8959
E-mail:  asalthouse@apprhs.org