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If you live in a small New Mexico town like Roy, Wagon Mound, or
Springer, and should require medical attention — you're lucky! Often, communities
of this size cannot support a private medical practice based on population. However,
since 1972 El Centro Family Health (formerly Health Centers of Northern New Mexico)
has operated clinics in twelve northern New Mexico communities. El Centro is owned
by a volunteer board of directors drawn from its users, so control is local and
community interests take priority. |
Supported by federal and state grants, El Centro
cares for nearly 17,000 patients each year, utilizing fifteen medical and two dental
clinics. Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance is always welcome, but one in every
three patients has no insurance at all. For those, El Centro offers a sliding fee
discount program. Last year 7,236 uninsured patients received care at El Centro
with just a $15 co-pay for medical visits and a 52% discount on dental work. Lab,
X-ray and pharmacy costs are extra, but El Centro helps with that, too, by discounting
prescription drug prices based on a patient's income and by negotiating discounted
rates from suppliers whenever possible.
In addition, 2,100 area veterans receive
treatment from El Centro based on an agreement with the Veterans Administration.
Their VA benefits apply exactly as any VA Clinic. Now veterans need only travel
to Albuquerque or another VA hospital for in-patient procedures or tests that cannot
be performed locally. This saves veterans miles of traveling and related costs.
El Centro has certified diabetes educators and Promotoras (community health workers)
who educate diabetics to manage their disease through diet and exercise, as well
as medical attention if necessary. There are people in northern New Mexico infected
with hepatitis C, but don't know it. Anyone can be tested and, if they meet guidelines
for the program, can start a year-long cycle of therapy that actually cures half
or more patients receiving treatment for this liver disease. The program is supported
by telemedicine connections with specialty care through the University of New Mexico
School of Medicine. High quality medical care is an important issue in rural communities
as residents strive to continue their way of life, and El Centro Family Health has
made long-term commitments to keeping its system of care in place throughout northern
New Mexico.
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Nearby Clinics
Springer (505) 483-0280
Roy (505) 485-2484
Wagon Mound (505) 666-2288
Las Vegas (505) 425-6788
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