Shriners’ cost-free clinic returns to Owatonna on Owatonna

OWATONNA — The words “free” and “health care” don’t normally go together, but on Saturday the Shriners will offer Owatonna residents an exception to the rule.

That day children from Steele County with muscle, bone and joint problems are invited to a cost-free evaluation clinic.

Shriners International is a non-profit that funds a network of 22 hospitals in the U.S. that offer children suffering from orthopedic maladies and serious burns medical services ranging from prosthetic limbs to complex surgeries — all free of charge.

The nearest Shriner hospital is in the Twin Cities. It serves seven states in the Upper Midwest.

“We don’t have a billing office,” said Mary Kautto, outreach nurse from the hospital. “Everything at our facility is no cost.”

Patients are granted access to care regardless of their income. Children of all economic levels are welcome to apply. Similarly, workers at the hospital will not inquire about a family’s immigration status. Kautto said the organization provides care to children. Period. The organization also provides language interpreters and will pay for transportation if need be.

The Shriners’ Minneapolis hospital cares for about 700 children a month, Kautto said. In all, it has about 4,000 active patients at present. Owatonna Shriner Dave Mussman said that more than 100 Steele County children have been treated at the hospital for everything from club feet to scoliosis to cerebal palsy.

Kautto cautioned that the charity is not out to steal patients from local clinics and hospitals. Its intent is to be another option for families and the care the hospital provides is very specialized, Kautto said: The hospital does not do primary care or immunization. At the Minneapolis clinic, they only treat kids with chronic orthopedic problems.

In spite of widespread economic distress and unemployment, the Shriners’ hospital in the Twin Cities has not seen a notable increase in patient applications.

“It’s really hard to give away free care, as crazy as that sounds. It’s puzzling to us. We have room to serve more, so we do clinics like the one in Owatonna to reach out,” Kautto said. “We don’t advertise or use billboards. A lot of people don’t know about us or they think there’s a catch.”

Thus the hospital is going on a goodwill tour around the Midwest.

The Shriners have been active in Owatonna for 40 years and started hosting the clinic in Owatonna 11 years ago, Mussman said. The clinic sessions in Owatonna will offer information only. There, a nurse will talk about the services the Shriners provide and take detailed health histories from families to get them started in the enrollment process.

“Once that is done, they will get an appointment in the Cities where our specialists will meet with them,” Mussman said.

Anyone interested need not bring a checkbook or insurance documents, as all services are free. However, medical records, X-rays and other documents relating to the patient’s illness are helpful. Likewise, though no birth certificate is necessary, families who have had disputes over custody or guardianship should bring legal documents to prove they are indeed responsible for the child’s welfare.

The evaluation clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. Walk-ins will be accommodated. To make an appointment, call Mussman at 507-455-1562.

“If they can’t make it on Saturday they can always us directly. We’re always taking applications or inquiries about giving care,” Kautto said.

The toll free number for the hospital is (888) 293-2832.

Clare Kennedy can be reached at 444-2376.

Share:

Digg

Guidelines: Welcome to the Owatonna People's Press community. Please keep your comments civil. Don't attack other readers personally and keep your language decent. If you would like to report abuse click here to notify us.
Member Opinions: By: XPatriate on 5/6/10 awesome, simply awesome thanks to the shriners for all the great work they do for all of us By: sinker68 on 5/6/10 They have done alot to help 3 of my children and we will always be greatful By: secretsquirrel on 5/6/10 But they don't have a vet on staff for us rodents! What kind of an outfit IS this? ;) Shriners are Rodent Endorsed! Yea Shriners! By: sinker68 on 5/6/10 some people have nothing better to do
Login and voice your opinion!