Advancing the Mobile Clinics Model | |
When I first became engaged with mobile healthcare in early 2000, it was generally projected there were nearly 2000 mobile health outreach programs across the U.S. In the time since, new mobile programs have been launched in both urban and rural areas of the country, providing primary and preventive care for a broad spectrum of populations. Today, there are mobile clinics with a wide range of specialty services such as: dentistry, audio/hearing testing, eyecare, mammography, behavioral health, HIV/AIDS testing, immunization/vaccination, prenatal/post-natal care, occupational and general health.
It’s the application of mobile clinics globally for outreach and humanitarian response that speaks to the essential value of clinics on wheels. Communities in many corners of the world are being innovative in adopting the mobile clinic model for serving hard-to-reach populations and responding to public health needs.
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100+ Mobile Clinics on the Road
In the past decade, the Authority has assisted over 100 organizations in buying used, new, or converted mobile clinics to support community outreach and expanded patient care. From a buyer in Florida, “your services are invaluable; you helped us locate just the right mobile van that met our needs and budget.” Another buyer in California said “thanks for your assistance in our quest to buy a mobile dental van. Your advice and guidance made it possible for us to launch our dental services.”
The Authority is pleased to assist your organization in acquiring or selling a mobile clinic. If you are exploring the mobile clinic model or have decided to purchase a mobile clinic, we are available to guide you in understanding the many issues related to operating a mobile clinic and assessing the available vehicle options that best meet your needs and budget. [See next News story.]
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CEO & President
Mobile Health Care Authority
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Options to Consider When Buying a Mobile Clinic | |
Today, your organization is exploring or has decided to launch a mobile healthcare (medical, dental, or specialty) outreach program to serve local and/or statewide communities. A grant application is due, or you’ve already secured funding. In purchasing a mobile unit … you want to know, what are your options and costs? Following are the basic options to consider in acquiring a mobile clinic:
#1. An all-brand new mobile clinic. Contract with a vehicle manufacturer to build a mobile clinic with a new chassis and new interior customized to your clinic floor plan requirements. Generally, this option will take 6-9 months; often 9-12 months depending on current supply-chain circumstances. Quotes can range $300-500K or more depending on required equipment (medical or dental), size of vehicle, gas or diesel engine, and added features such as bathroom, wheel chair lift, or slide-outs.
#2. Conversion mobile clinic. Contract with a manufacturer to build a hybrid mobile clinic … with a used chassis (of recent vintage and low mileage) and a new interior customized to your clinic floor plan requirements. This option generally takes 3-4 months. Average quotes can range $150-250K depending on the available chassis (gas or diesel), extent of interior modifications, required equipment (medical or dental), and added features such as bathroom, WCL, or slide-outs.
#3. Pre-owned/used mobile clinic (medical, dental, or specialty care). These clinics are being sold through the Authority by a healthcare organization, health corporation, or private practice. This option allows you to acquire a mobile clinic within weeks, pending mechanical and equipment inspections. At often less than half the cost of a brand new clinic, buying used is a viable option if your budget is limited and you want to expand community outreach and be on the road immediately. When buying a used mobile clinic, inquire if a vehicle extended warranty contract is available. Check The Authority website for current listings of available pre-owned mobile clinics for sale.
#4. Leasing a mobile clinic. Consider this option while waiting for awarded funding; need a mobile clinic on a short-term basis; or, use while a brand new one is being custom built for your organization. Note however, leasing inventory is limited.
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The Authority is available to help your organization with the many questions that arise as you consider purchasing a mobile clinic. Contact: (619) 795-9604 or mobile clinics@aol.com. | |
The Authority website offers valuable resources related to mobile healthcare: Check out Mobile Clinic News for a list of published articles and health specialty vehicle basic terms (chassis styles, clinic conversions, commercial drivers license/CDL). For assistance, contact: (619) 795-9604 or mobileclinics@aol.com.
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Mobile Health Map From Dr. Nancy Oriol, co-founder of the Map and The Family Van (both programs of Harvard Medical School), a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist, and daughter of a Haitian immigrant: "Mobile health clinics and other in-community solutions are uniquely situated to improve equity in terms of appropriate care, quality, preventive measures, outcomes and more because of the way they integrate into their communities, building trust and commitment along the way. Since 2007, the Mobile Health Map has been working to build evidence and advocate for the mobile healthcare sector. Our collaborative research network of community-based mobile clinics analyzes both program and data of the sector as a whole, promoting and advancing the work of mobile health clinics in our communities." The Map was co-founded by Dr. Oriol, Dr. Anthony Vavasis, Jennifer Bennett, and Darien DeLorenzo.
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Mobile Healthcare Association A nationwide membership organization of mobile healthcare providers. The association presented its 2022 Mobile Health Clinics Excellence Award to Tim Kitch, President of ADI-Mobile Health,
Congratulations Tim!
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Q. What is the difference between a vehicle bought from an RV dealership verses one bought directly from the manufacturer’s factory?
A. The factory built is considered “commercial-grade”, with components such as heavier-duty thicker flooring and steps, steel belt line at top of side walls for installing cabinets, and larger storage compartments to hold more powerful generators.
Q. Are there ADA regulations that require a mobile clinic to have a wheel chair lift?
A. No. This issue is left by ADA to be regulated by states and most do not require a lift (or a ramp). It’s best to check with your individual State Health & Safety Code. In general, States require that you make some accommodation for a person with disabilities. Accommodations can mean an action that result in services, programs, or activities being readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. “Accommodations” may include making reasonable modifications in policies, practices, and procedures; furnishing, at no charge, to persons with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services, equipment devices, materials in alternative formats, readers, or certified interpreters for persons with hearing impairments; relocating services or programs to accessible facilities; or providing services at alternative sites.
Q. Explain the baseline for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
A. The weight (not the length) of the vehicle dictates if a CDL is required. In most states it’s 26,001+ lbs. Check your State’s Bus & Truck Regulations, Air Resource Board, or contact the local DMV office.
Q. We’re in California and have a 2004 diesel Class A medical clinic. What are the emissions regulations?
A. Beginning in January 1, 2020 diesel trucks older than 2011 must meet State regulations, or they will be blocked from being registered by the CA State DMV. These vehicles must be replaced with a 2011 or newer vehicle or re-powered with a 2010 or newer engine. You can apply with the DMV for an exemption if the vehicle is driven less than 1,000 miles per year.
Q. The tire tread looks good on a used mobile clinic we are thinking of buying. What is the rule of thumb to determine if the tires need replacement?
A. Each tire has an imprinted date code on the exterior tire wall, such as 11/2018 (meaning the week/year). If the vehicle is to be driven long-distance for the initial transport and frequently thereafter, tires should be replaced if more than 5-years old. Caution: they may look good on the outside, but they deteriorate from the inside.
The Authority offers valuable Resources related to mobile healthcare: Check out Mobile Clinic News for a list of published articles and health specialty vehicle Basic Terms (chassis styles, clinic conversions, commercial-driver license/CDL) and more! For assistance with the above FAQs and other questions, contact the Authority.
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Contact Information: Mobile Health Care Authority
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