Access OC:
Solutions for Specialty Care

Access OC helps the vulnerable safety net population obtain essential treatment in an efficient manner, while decreasing overall health care costs and substantially reducing emergency room visits. In 2009, Kaiser Permanente held their fourth Surgery Day in April serving 13 patients and will host its fifth surgery in September. Mission Hospital will hold its second surgery in September; St. Jude Medical Center will hold its third surgery in October; and, Saddleback Memorial, our newest hospital partner will hold its first surgery in November. Hoag Hospital continues to use the integrated model, working patients into their daily schedules, and serves approximately 2 patients per month.

Outpatient Surgery Program

On May 19, 2007 AccessOC took the first step towards improving access to specialty care for uninsured residents of Orange County with the implementation of a free, out-patient surgery program. On that day,eight patients received life-changing surgeries at Kaiser Permanente that allowed them to return to their work, their families and their lives. This was the first of many events at participating hospitals and surgi-centers throughout Orange County. In 2008, 317 surgical services were provided and 86 patients received benefits from this program.

Potential candidates for free outpatient surgeries are referred to Access OC through a community clinic. After qualifying and evaluating these patients, Access OC coordinates outpatient surgeries with one of our six hospital partners in Orange County: Hoag Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Mission Hospital, Saddleback Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, and St. Jude Medical Center.

On the Horizon

AccessOC is actively developing additional innovative specialty care programs.

• eConsult is designed to improve the communication between physicians by creating an electronic consult and referral system. AccessOC will partner with CHOC pediatric specialists for the eConsult pilot project.
• Telemedicine will link patients and their primary care physicians in community clinics electronically with outside specialists for consultation. For this pilot program, AccessOC is partnering with SOS Free Medical Clinic.

Many health care professionals travel internationally to provide free health care to people in need. AccessOC is providing volunteer opportunities for these professionals to perform the same life-enhancing care right here at home.

Visit AccessOC to read patient success stories, volunteer or make a contribution.