Obtaining quality healthcare can be challenging for anyone, especially those trying to deal with, and manage, ongoing health issues. Whether rich, poor or somewhere in between, health problems can strike at any time, with or without warning. Unfortunately, when that happens, financial concerns can loom large, be completely overwhelming and interfere with getting proper medical care.
Lackey Clinic, a faith-based nonprofit organization located in Yorktown, is in the business of assisting those whose life has been interrupted by health problems, providing “skilled, compassionate healthcare and counseling to the medically disadvantaged.” (lackeyclinic.org). The clinic works closely with individuals who have money coming in but are working one to three jobs just to stay afloat and can’t afford health insurance.
Having been around for three decades, the clinic has seen its fair share of obstacles and challenges, not the least of which was the pandemic, an event that served as a catalyst for improvement. In the shift to telehealth, Lackey discovered unique ways to address health challenges. During this time, administrators recognized some of the advantages of telehealth and ways to address some of the difficulties patients face when seeking healthcare. Because of those experiences, the clinic expanded to Lackey Virtual Care a little over a year ago, while maintaining the in-person clinic. Its current virtual version is asynchronous care in which doctor and patient don’t have to be on the call at the same time, says Larry Trumbore, executive director. Additionally, Trumbore says, “We use artificial intelligence (AI) to summarize notes, recommend diagnoses, prescribe meds, pull the patient’s pharmacy records for allergies and all of that data goes directly to the physician’s inbox for them to deliver the diagnosis, recommend a care plan and arrange for patient pick up of prescribed medications.”
As part of its virtual care, Lackey offers a connected care program called FLO (named after Florence Nightingale), an intelligent texting system for which patients can sign up. Because much of what needs to be monitored with someone’s health happens outside of medical settings (e.g., diet, fluid intake, taking meds, etc.), FLO provides a means by which to stay in touch with patients.
In the instance of hypertension, for example, FLO would send medicine reminders, ask for current blood pressure reading, recommend a follow-up doctor’s appointment, etc., which provides information patients may need to take control of their own situation and make necessary changes. For some, FLO is the only one a patient hears from and serves as a significant tool of empowerment.
Taking no insurance money, Lackey Clinic is individually or grant funded, which can create financial challenges for nonprofits. Fortunately, the clinic’s use of technology and AI allows for leverage resources for better outcomes and coverage, says Trumbore.
“Lackey Clinic offers the best health care — better than with insurance because we can spend more time with patients, we have connections with hospitals, we have access to drug manufacturers and the meds they provide, and our care — dental, health and eye — is validated through patient surveys to be better than they’ve ever experienced,” says Trumbore. Moreover, the clinic is patient focused as healthcare access can be in-person, via telehealth, digitally or virtually. “We try to work around people’s limitations, things that get in the way of health care,” says Trumbore.
Trumbore has a varied career history, having served as an army officer, worked with Fortune 500 companies and given many years to non-profits, including Lackey Clinic. When he’s not at work, he enjoys golf, getting out into nature, walking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Whether it’s a celebration of family, friends or life’s work, Trumbore finds great joy spending time with good people who make a difference in the lives of others. One of those celebrations was in honor of the clinic’s 30th anniversary in April, and another will be hosted at the William and Mary Glenn Close Theatre in September.
TO THE POINT:
Lackey Clinic
Address: 1620 Old Williamsburg Rd., Yorktown, VA 23690
Contact: Larry Trumbore, executive director; John Smethurst, communication specialist
Phone: 757-886-0608, ext. 251
Email: smethurst@lackeyhealthcare.org
Website: lackeyclinic.org
