Not knowing the clinic could provide for his medical needs, using a sliding fee scale, resulted in a large debt for someone already overwhelmed with financial concerns.” said Marla Mitchell, administrator of Western New Mexico Medical Group-Grants Clinic. She told a sad story of an area resident that demonstrates the increasing phenomenon of “doubling,” moving in with family or friends during times of economic stress. Having recently experienced major life changes including job loss, divorce and home foreclosure, this man came to Grants to stay with friends. On a reduced income, he could no longer afford his diabetes medications. A neighbor found him unconscious and called emergency services. His lack of $60, for three months of diabetic supplies, resulted in an emergency airlift to an Albuquerque medical facility. He told Mitchell he had no idea what he would owe for these services.

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A sunny day added to the welcoming atmosphere of the Presbyterian Medical Services Open House celebrating 40 years of service to New Mexico communities. Almost 100 area residents attended, visiting with staff and enjoying numerous refreshments. Families participated in outdoor activities such as face-painting and water games. Many came to “meet the new doctors and visit with Dr. Janice Shipley. After 25 years of family practice, Shipley now serves as an on-call temp, part-time.” said Mitchell.

The Grants clinic joined PMS in September 1994. Originally known as Gallup-Thoreau-Grants, Shipley was GTG's first physician. She came here under the National Healthcare Services Corp. from North Carolina. This federal programs assists rural communities in recruiting doctors through scholarships and reduction of educational loan payments. Originally she planned to be here just for her two-year commitment to NHSC but after almost three decades, Grants is home.

Dr. Ellen Piernot said, “I am enjoying the smaller community setting compared to Green Lake, Wisconsin.”  Completing her internship in Bronx, New York, Dr. Melanie Ukanwa appreciates the friendly atmosphere in Grants and the beautiful scenery. She and Dr. Perez-Baron, the most recent staff addition, plan to mentor young people in the community through a series of outreach programs in area schools.

A staff of 14 includes three full-time doctors plus Shipley, part-time.

WNMMG-Grants offers appointments with specialty care providers. Mitchell is working with Cibola General Hospital to increase the number of hospital staff doctors.

Sports physicals, immunizations, wellness exams plus care for chronic and acute illnesses are included in the full range of patient services. Family practitioners provide for the expectant mother, unborn child, the birth and pediatric services. They care for all age groups including the elderly. Ukanwa told of her 99-year old female patient who still participates in a triathlon annually. 

Numerous funding sources allow the clinic to offer payment options. WNMMG-Grants receives monies by complying with various criteria. Recently the clinic signed a $50,000 patient services contract with Cibola County including billing on a fee-for-service basis. It is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Facility and patients may qualify to waive Medi-Care deductibles. As a member of the Rural Primary Healthcare Association, patients are offered a sliding fee scale for appointments and prescriptions. The recent building re-modeling included a pharmacy and prescriptions are filled on-site.  Patient accounts can be paid by the individual or by insurance.

The pro-active role PMS takes in anticipating changes in medical services means every two years members participate in the Joint Commission Accrediting process. The WNMMG-Grants clinic, as a PMS member, employs an independent company to examine performance and audit services. Mitchell remarked, “We want our level of performance to meet JCA standards. This means exceptional quality of care and benefits to patients.”

“Doubling” and increased patient influx are two patterns that Mitchell has noted in the past year. The staff is researching causes of both trends. Mitchell stated, “Generally in the summer, there is a noticeable decrease in appointments. This year June and July were just as busy as January and February.” She remarked on the day earlier this summer with 41 scheduled appointments and 40 additional patient requests for that same day. In anticipation of on-going patient needs, the clinic is currently seeking a fourth full-time family practitioner. Last year the clinic had more than 12,000 patient encounters.