Our clinic was started in 2001 by three local specialty physicians who recognized patient health disparities between patients who had health insurance and those who did not. Patients without health insurance waited far longer to seek care, resulting in more advanced illness and poorer outcomes. This motivated them to establish our clinic where uninsured patients could be seen free of charge.
History
According to Proactive MD, about 1 in 10 primary care visits results in a referral to a specialty provider, but referrals can range anywhere from 5% to 60%.
Nationally, there is a large network of free primary care clinics, but when an uninsured patient needs to see a specialist, the options are very sparse.
Specialty Care Free Clinic is unique. Powered by a dedicated team of volunteer specialty providers, we make sure those in south-central Wisconsin who need care can get it at no cost.
It’s a service more than two decades in the making. And it remains one of just a few free specialty clinics nationwide, thanks to the generosity of donors, community partners, foundations and a medical community that puts health before profit.
