Though it has been open less than six months, the High Desert Healthcare Clinic in Holbrook is preparing to extend its hours and bring on a full-time doctor.
Navajo County Human Resources Director Kim Eavenson explained that the clinic, which represents a unique partnership between the county and Summit Healthcare, has been busy enough to warrant a change to full-time hours. Soon it will be open continuously during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Officials are considering whether to maintain Saturday hours. The clinic is located at the Navajo County complex, in the former public works building.
“It’s been well-utilized,” Eavenson said. “The average is about 70 percent county employees and 30 percent residents.”
With the addition of a full-time physician dedicated to the practice, many of the doctors who have been rotating in and out of the clinic during the week will return to their regular practice in Snowflake. Eavenson noted, however, that Drs. Darrell Brimhall and Sean Smithson will continue to hold rotating office hours at the Holbrook location due to the large number of Holbrook clients they serve.
The clinic was initially conceived as a way to provide greater access to healthcare for county employees while reducing costs to the county. The county has provided the building, as well as utilities and maintenance for the facility, while Summit provides the equipment and staff.
“Our goal was to be more innovative in healthcare delivery and contain costs,” County Manager James Jayne said. “We are providing increased access to primary care.
He noted that the clinic saves employees from losing several hours of work for simple doctor visits, and offers additional access to primary care physicians for the community.
“It’s an innovative partnership that the county is proud of,” he remarked.
The clinic has reduced healthcare costs, according to county Finance Director James Menlove, however, he noted that it is still in the early stages and the exact cost savings remains to be seen.
“Financially, it appears to be doing well, it appears to be saving money, but it’s still in its infancy,” he said.
Eavenson explained that the success of the clinic has other counties interested in creating a similar partnership with healthcare providers. The county has partnered with Summit not only to locate a clinic at the county complex, but also to serve as a primary healthcare provider under the employee insurance program.
“Others are looking at our model,” Eavenson said.
