Doctor on Call is staffed by trained and experienced health professionals that include physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and nurses, as well as allied health professionals, such as clinical dietitians, clinical pharmacists, and occupational speech, respiratory, and physical therapists. Doctor on Call is not meant to be a substitute for either a primary care physician or the emergency room. DOC sees its services as a bridge for those needing services in the event of any acute or urgent, non-life threatening medical condition, when an appointment with their primary care physician is not readily available. If the patient has limited access to transportation for health care, if the patient is homebound, or if the patient cannot visit an ER or urgent care facility, DOC provides house calls. The emphasis for its services is to “provide clients with high quality professional health care at a very reasonable cost in a courteous and compassionate manner–no matter the time–in an environment and at a time that is convenient for the client.” Doctor on Call also provides medical support services to area businesses, such as work site visits for employees, health related seminars and presentations, drug testing, and employment physicals. School physicals are done for $35. Flu shots are available for $25. You will be taken immediately for a flu shot if you go into the clinic. Doctor on Call provides physician services from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and to Los Lunas. Practice Manager Donna Madrid left a job that paid twice as much to go to work for DOC, and she says, “It’s been worth it. At the weekly meetings everyone is invited to make suggestions and comments that are listened to. Everyone has their focus on the patient.” Donna adds, “The patient spends most of their time with the doctor, and all staff are focused on providing courteous, compassionate care.”
Along with a New Mexico State contract to conduct disability exams, Doctor on Call treats film and television production crews and staff, most notably those working on the new TV series Wildfire , filmed in Rio Rancho. (Donna is prohibited from sharing the names of movie stars with whom she has worked!) Several cases provide a testimonial to the success of Doctor on Call. One is the story of a woman with breast cysts who could not get an appointment with her physician, despite three days of unbearable pain. She walked into the DOC clinic and was taken immediately. Her cysts were drained and she reported feeling better immediately. A gentleman had heart failure and was treated within 15 minutes of entering the clinic. It is believed that if he had waited for an appointment or gone into an emergency room he would not have been treated in a timely manner and his outcome would not be as positive. Patients are seen within 15 to 20 minutes and no appointments are necessary. Donna says that Doctor on Call is “simple.” While medicine isn’t supposed to be simple, this program meets the needs of many. Not all people can afford insurance. Walking into the emergency room of a hospital might cost $150 or more. Walking into the clinic and being seen within 20 minutes or less will cost $68. It’s a wonderful option for many, providing services Donna calls both convenient and compassionate. Beth Donahue is a freelance writer who can be reached at (505) 248-9700 or via email at NMWBethDonahue@aol.com. |
An office visit starts at $68 and a house call starts at $88. Doctor on Call is a private pay, fee-for-service medical practice that is on call 24 hours a day.