Month: October 2019

Cancer Sucks – These Affordable Screening Options Don’t

Cancer sucks- These affordable screening options don't

Debbie Schoonover, Chief Operations Officer has been a passionate advocate for women’s healthcare within Barbour County.

The month of October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is a campaign designed to increase awareness of the disease. Though it’s important every month of the year to be aware of the signs of breast cancer, October is a great time to remind yourself and the women in your life to get screened by a provider.

While getting a mammogram may seem intimidating and expensive, Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) offers several options for women who need financial assistance.

According to Debbie Schoonover, Chief Operations Officer, BCHA offers many affordable options for women to get screened annually, here are two:
One option is the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Depending on their risks and age, most of these visits are free for our women,” said Schoonover. Through this program, women can be screened through a pap smear and a mammogram exam. The second affordable way women can be checked for breast cancer is through Bonnie’s Bus Mobile Mammography Unit, which visits two to three times a year. Bonnie’s Bus accepts most insurances, just like the WV Breast and Cervical Program, and has some private funding for women who qualify. “We’re able to bridge the gap between transportation barriers and affordable health screenings for women,” said Schoonover. “And it creates a better atmosphere for wellness here in Barbour County.”

October is the perfect time to get screened and raise awareness about Breast Cancer. It’s also a time to recognize those battling breast cancers, survivors, and those we have lost to the disease.

Check with your provider for screening options and information on financial assistance.

Why Consider a Physician Assistant for Your Primary Care Provider?

Why Consider a Physician Assistant for Your Primary Care Provider?

Jennifer Burner, PA at AB Wellness Center

October 7th through October 11th is Physician Assistant Week!

Here at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) we have seven Physician Assistants (PAs) on staff at our varying locations. We are so thankful for them and all that they do to help and care for our patients and their families.

So why should you consider choosing a PA as your primary care physician?

What is a PA?

The role of a PA is sometimes misunderstood. At BCHA, we want our patients to feel comfortable that they are being cared for by a well-trained, proficient, certified professional. PAs are licensed and certified health care professionals who practice medicine in partnership with doctors and bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to patient care.

Certified PAs obtain medical histories, examine, diagnose and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests and recommend and implement treatment plans for the wide range of human illnesses and injuries. They can perform minor surgery and assist in major surgery, instruct and counsel patients, order or carry out therapy and prescribe medications. Certified PAs work with doctors as an integral part of the health care team. The doctor is available to consult with the PA when needed and stays informed about the care you are receiving.

Are my family and I receiving the same level of care if we’re treated by a PA instead of a doctor?

Yes! PA training is incredibly competitive with a difficult academic and clinical course load.  Today’s PAs are educated in accredited graduate-level programs and trained in medical and behavioral sciences, completing rotations in internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine and geriatric medicine.

PAs are held to the same standard of care expected from doctors. Following graduation from an accredited PA program, PAs pass a rigorous national certification exam that tests them on everything from taking a patient history to diagnosing and treating complex medical issues.

The physician-PA team is an effective approach to the delivery of health care because it decreases your waiting time, increases your time with the health care provider and ultimately helps you and your family get the care and attention you need and deserve when you need it.

Call BCHA today to make an appointment with one of our amazing PAs!