Open since 2004, the family health clinics, located in both Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, provide access to medical specialists for Medi-Cal patients. Current services include family and internal medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, ophthalmology, cardiology and general surgery. If the FQHC status is granted, additional services, including preventive dental care, patient transportation, and prevention and education programs would be developed.
According to James Walter, clinics director, an estimated 22 percent of Basin residents may be uninsured. “We want these clinics to be a medical home for everyone, including those without insurance,” says Walter. “This FQHC health model will enable us to do just that.” He adds District officials should learn if they receive FQHC status in late summer.
For more information about the Hi-Desert Medical Center Family Health Clinics, call 760/365-9305 for the Yucca Valley clinic, or 760/367-5906 for the Twentynine Palms clinic.
Hi-Desert Memorial Health Care District is comprised of 179 licensed beds: the Hi-Desert Medical Center, a modern, 59-bed primary care hospital, and the Continuing Care Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility on the campus of Hi-Desert Medical Center. Along with a wide range of quality inpatient and outpatient diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation services, the District also operates the Airway Outpatient Center—a full-service surgery and diagnostic center, the Behavioral Health Centre—an intensive mental health program, and family health clinics—providing medical specialists for Medi-Cal patients. Home health and hospice and a variety of community education and outreach services are also provided.
