Home / Health / Atlanta Free Clinic Faces Diagnostic Crisis
Atlanta Free Clinic Faces Diagnostic Crisis
10 Feb
Summary
- Healing Bridge Clinic can no longer access vital imaging services.
- The clinic serves uninsured adults who cannot afford healthcare.
- Losing imaging may cause serious consequences for patient diagnoses.
A free clinic in Fayette County, Georgia, that serves as a crucial healthcare resource for uninsured adults, is facing a significant challenge. Healing Bridge Clinic has lost access to essential imaging services, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, which are vital for diagnosing patients and developing care plans. These services were discontinued with little notice, leaving clinic leaders scrambling to find alternatives.
The clinic supports uninsured adults aged 19 to 64, many of whom are employed but fall into a coverage gap where health insurance is unaffordable. Last year, Healing Bridge Clinic facilitated approximately 1,800 patient visits from across metro Atlanta. The sudden loss of imaging capabilities means patients now face delays in receiving diagnoses, potentially impacting the timeliness and effectiveness of their treatment.
Clinic leadership is actively seeking a new imaging provider to prevent further disruptions in care. While temporarily covering some imaging costs out-of-pocket, this is not a sustainable solution. The situation highlights the precarious position of safety-net health providers and the challenges they face in securing essential medical resources for vulnerable populations.
