The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has declined since April to take new patients for primary and dental care at Stout Street Health Clinic.
New patients are defined as anyone who did not have an electronic health care record with CCH as of April. “We have more new patient demand than we can intake without neglecting the appointment needs of established patients,” explained Alexis Witham, communications director for the Coalition, in an email.
This means that people experiencing homelessness who are new to Denver, including migrants, go to Denver Health when they need medical treatment. Denver Health provides about $155 million in uncompensated care annually, but the city only reimburses the hospital for $30 million. Stout Street no longer taking new patients undoubtedly has impacted already strapped Denver Health.
Services no longer offered newly homeless
According to the Coalition website, primary care services include:
• Physical exams
• Coordination with mental health/behavioral health services