Portable Clinics: Bridging the Rural-Urban Healthcare Gap

AUSTIN (KXAN) – A firm is introducing a new offering aimed at enhancing accessibility for individuals in remote regions.

OnMed presented its Clinic-in-a-Box to local media outlets and Texas lawmakers on Wednesday. According to the firm, this 8-by-11-foot "box" merges the convenience of telemedicine with the structure of traditional healthcare facilities.

Seventy-five percent of U.S. counties do not have sufficient healthcare services," stated Howard Gruverman, President of OnMed. "In Texas alone, 35 counties entirely lack accessibility, while another 150 offer minimal service." He added, "Implementing this solution can provide more accessible care at a reduced expense and with less infrastructure required.

OnMed’s Clinic-in-a-Box resembles an ordinary examination room for a general practitioner. It includes items such as a scale, a blood pressure cuff, and a hand sanitizer station. However, the standout feature is the prominent touchscreen display within the pod.

Patients hailing from areas where medical practitioners are scarce can use the platform to quickly connect with certified doctors in bigger cities, as stated by OnMed.

"We're collaborating with numerous local and state governments, as well as the federal government, to identify areas lacking adequate healthcare access," Gruverman stated.

OnMed already operates 30 clinics throughout the United States, and Gruverman mentioned he anticipates this figure will increase to around 200 by the close of 2025. Within Texas, operational sites can be found in Milam County and Corsicana. According to Gruverman, his group is currently focused on bringing another four locations online in Texas shortly.

"We integrate into the social weave — linking individuals to appropriate care options, be it primary care, urgent care, specialized referrals, addressing food scarcity, accessing food banks, as well as connecting them with mental health and behavioral support," he added.

Dr. Ray Callas, who serves as the president of the Texas Medical Association, expressed his belief that a product like Clinic-in-a-Box has the potential to serve as a valuable resource for linking rural patients with physicians. However, he emphasized that ensuring high-quality patient care remains crucial, stressing that this must not be compromised.

"[The team] needs to consist of well-educated, highly skilled medical professionals," Callas stated.

"We've been striving to ensure that every Texan has equal access—whether they reside in a bustling metropolis, a tiny farming town, or along the border where their community may consist of just 1,000 residents," Callas stated.

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