Society News

Q I Society Updates

Project Access

MMS is leading the expansion of charity care in west Tennessee

MMS and Memphis Medical Foundation have officially launched Project Access West Tennessee. The Society’s 501c3 sister organization, Memphis Medical Foundation, has received a grant from the State of Tennessee to launch Project Access West Tennessee. Project Access exists to help uninsured individuals get the health care they need by linking local physicians, hospitals, and local health clinics that agree to donate their services to the individuals and families in need of health care services.

Project Access already exists in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Tri-Cities. The State of Tennessee wanted to expand the program to the west, and MMS was perceived as a natural partner due to three of the four existing programs being operated by metro medical societies.

“We are excited to work with existing community stakeholders, particularly our friends at Church Health, to expand access to care for uninsured residents of West Tennessee,” said Clint Cummins, MMS CEO. He went on to say, “If each provider in our community can give a very small amount of time to caring for this population, it will go a long way to improving our community’s health.”

For patients, Project Access serves as a resource for receiving the specialty care needed and improving overall health. For the provider, Project Access provides comprehensive care coordination, allowing for efficient uses of the provider’s time and offering assurance that complex patient cases will receive continued referrals to appropriate care.

Soon, an easy signup will be offered to providers who wish to donate services, from a simple consultation to more complex needs such as surgery appointments and imaging.