May 13, 2020
As an Anthem, Arizona resident, my primary care physician’s office is located in the valley. Even though many medical offices and business were closed to the public due to this Coronavirus Pandemic, spring of 2020 still came baring high pollens which I am extremely allergic to. I have suffered severely with allergies each spring which make it extremely difficult for me to breath and carry out regular, daily life tasks. The one medication that helps to relieve my allergy symptoms is a Kenalog injection provided by my PCP. This year my provider canceled appointments for me on three different occasions stating it was too risky for me because I might become ill with the Coronavirus. I repeatedly stated, “I am sick now and need help now!”
In a desperate attempt to locate a provider who could get me in to provide the injection, I called several medical offices in my area and was told I could not be seen due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic. I could not understand why the risk of me getting sick prevented me from getting treatment for a sever medical situation I was currently suffering with. My plea for an appointment was continually met with, “Sorry we cannot risk you getting sick.”
I work for Dorn Homes, at Wickenburg Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona and had met Jim Tavary, CEO & President of Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics. He had come to speak to our sales team in the past about medical services available in Wickenburg. I used the contact information, from that presentation to send Jim an email requesting medical services. I was pleasantly surprised when he answered my email inquiring about a medical provider who might be able to see me and provide a Kenalog injection. Jim immediately connected me with the Chief Clinic Services Officer, Richard Wedig; who had an appointment with a primary care provider the same day. After utilizing the clinic’s curbside registration, I was able to see the provider and receive my injection with in 10 minutes and get right back to work.
I am extremely grateful for the fast and quick response from the whole Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinic team and happy someone as high up as the organization’s president and CEO was kind enough to return an email so quickly. Thank you, Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics.
– Jim Clark
