If Not Us, Who?

“Luis” arrived at Culmore Clinic feeling tired, weak, depressed and scared. Unable to work because of his condition, he had neither income nor access to food and was desperately in need of medical attention.  Luis had recently been to the INOVA emergency department where he was treated for diabetes, a first-time diagnosis for him. He was prescribed insulin and released. By the time he arrived at The Clinic (one week later) his sugar level was over 400 (normal is 70-150). Culmore Clinic’s team immediately began to work together to address Luis’s needs.  

After the assessment of his condition he was instructed to go to a pharmacy to get the insulin he had been prescribed at the hospital. It quickly became clear that Luis did not have the resources to make this happen for himself. A collection among the staff provided the necessary funds and The Clinic’s Patient Navigator took the lead. He drove Luis to the pharmacy located in downtown Washington DC (the most affordable option), interpreted for him and then drove him home.

Today Luis is a familiar face at Culmore Clinic. At a recent visit, his sugar level was around 90, his general health had improved, his physical activity was normal and his demeanor was very positive. It is patients like Luis who keep Culmore Clinic moving in the direction of becoming a full-time Patient Centered Medical Home in the Bailey’s Crossroads community.