Variety of Services Offered at Oxford’s Newest Affordable Health Clinic

By Anna Grace Usery
Editor-in-Chief
anna.grace.usery@hottytoddy.com

As affordable housing begins to grow in the LOU community, so does affordable healthcare.

Oxford Health Care Associates is a community health center focused on providing care to those who may not have insurance or have limited coverage. Located at 2716 W. Oxford Loop and under the direction of Leslie Sheffield, a certified nurse practitioner, the clinic has been serving the Oxford community for almost a month.  

Part of the North Mississippi Primary Health Care (NMPHC) group, the health center is federally-funded and offers a wide variety of services including vision, dental, lab work, family medicine, immunizations, gynecological care, physicals and counseling. The Oxford location is one of eight in the north Mississippi area.

“There’s only one other office in Oxford that accepts Medicare and Medicaid,” said Shelby Wilkins, outreach worker with NMPHC. “We accept patients with all forms of insurance plans, including those who don’t have any insurance.”

Payment for services rendered is based on a sliding scale, which directly correlates with the patient’s income.

“Nearly 80% of people who walk through the door qualify for the sliding scale,” Wilkins said. “Which means any service we offer is covered under $20.”

She said bills can be as low as $20 for medical and behavioral health services and $30 for dental services. Dental services are located at the Ashland office. 

Wilkins said she recognizes the kind of value affordable healthcare brings to a community. Growing up, she never had insurance and her parents often had to rely on services through Interfaith Compassion Ministry.

“I know what it’s like growing up like that…wait it out or go to the hospital,” she said. “Now there’s a place to help those people who can relate.”

In addition to low visit costs, patients can also receive a discount pharmacy card.

Wilkins said the possibilities to lower patient medical and pharmaceutical costs is infinite. One lady spent nearly $1,000 per month on insulin for her diabetes, she said. Now, after visiting the New Albany clinic and receiving a discount card, she pays only $5 per month. Patients interested in the discount card can receive one at the New Albany clinic upon referral and go to the Super Saver Drugs pharmacy for the time being. However, the discount cards will be offered in Oxford Oct. 1.

Since the clinic is contracted with G&M Pharmacy in Oxford, located 2159 S. Lamar Blvd, patients can only receive their medications there. However, patients do not have to switch providers to get the prescriptions they need.

Those who received Medicare also have another perk. Under the plan, each patient receives one wellness visit per year. Even if a patient doesn’t have an appointment, Wilkins said, he or she can walk into the office and receive a wellness check in under 15 minutes. After the check up, each patient will receive a $20 Wal-Mart gift card.

The clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins and appointments are accepted.