I have my insurance through the Affordable Care Act, but they said they only take patients who have either medicaid or no insurance. I am new to the area, and can't get any doctors to even call back my husband for an appt. I found a doctor, but will have to stop going bc I cannot afford the copay. Healthright is also the only place in Wheeling I can find to provide free counseling to continue my treatment. I can't afford weekly copays to see a counselor. This needs to change.
I absolutely love the staff. They are all so friendly, including the nurses there. The female nurse practitioner truly has hurt my feelings and her medical advice could cause me to die.
I am 29 years old and had gotten covid along with endocarditis at the same time. I was truly floored by this because I had no open wounds or anything for MRSA to get into my blood, cause sepsis, and move into my heart and lungs. I now need heart surgery or I die. Until heart surgery time though, my life is only sustainable on antibiotics. I also got diagnosed with MS the same week as covid due to me going paralyzed in one of my legs and the Drs not knowing why. This all happened in the beginning of january. Other past history is that I am a recovering drug addict. I've had 12 years clean, relapsed, and now have about 2 months clean and am never looking back.
Anyways, the first time I had seen her we had gone over my medical records and she had talked very condescending towards me. I'm never rude towards anyone and I just let it go. She tried blaming the demylination on my frontal lobe on my past drug use even though it has been declared that I indeed have MS. She literally tried telling me that and then I had to correct her and explain about my flare ups and everything else. I told her there weren't more tests done or whatever because I've been literally on my death bed these last 6 months, fighting for my life. That was just one of about 12 things she made that were rude towards me about my past drug use. It was more of a "did she mean that in an undermining way". Don't get me wrong, I know that we have to talk about it but it was more how she said what she was saying, if that makes sense.
Then I see her a few days later to tell her that these antibiotics are not working and I have been in sepsis for days... I've had 108 degree fevers while in the hospital and have also gone down to the 95s so it is no joke and can most definitely kill me. I ask her if we can please alternate the clindomyacin because she was even telling me a few days prior how she's worried I'm getting immune to it since I had been on 2000mgs daily for months. I know my body and have lived off and on with what seems like constant battles with sepsis for the last 6 months so at this point I know when it first starts... Even after max dosing on ibuprofen my fever will be at 104-106 (my thermometer only goes to 105 and the lowest it'll be is 102). And then even if I can get it down then I'm dropping sweat and then going under normal. Well her first words to me are "are you doing drugs". I said no you can screen me right now. Then she said well how long have u been clean. I said almost 2 months and she said no you could still be withdrawaling and I said no, I'm not. How would it have worked before and up until now if that were the reason? I didn't say that but thought it. And I told her of the only 2 differences in my regiment that could have kept that antibiotics working at that dose previously and not now we're that I was 1. Taking this amazing supplement called shiaqga. Not sure how it works but it boosted my immune system and even my blood work had improved and 2. They had given me Prednisone for anaphylaxis that I had been taking right up until about the same time as my shiaqga supplement ran out.
Last night I honest to goodness thought I was going to lose my life because I was so ill. I've been fighting for such a long time. I remembered the Prednisone and took 2 pills yesterday and 1 today and I feel much better today. She scolded me for that and then was wondering how I obtained the prescription which I told her last time about my attacks .. which she had also given me epi pens (which I condone her for). The Prednisone though makes me retain water like crazy and hurts my liver since it's hard on it. Last time I had gained 10 lbs water weight after reviewing the shot and 10 more lbs that week and then lost 20 lbs before seeing them 4 days prior. She told me to keep on the Prednisone and dose myself off by Friday but she refuses changing my antibiotics and to take ibuprofen and acetaminophen for my sepsis.
That doesn't get rid of the sepsis though!! How could she give that as medical advice! She also said I don't need blood work because I've had enough from being in the hospitals.. but when I'm in the hospitals I'm usually literally an inkling away from death so how would that help with now?! This medical advice will kill people. So I'd say if you have no health insurance and not many health problems that it's better than nothing (I guess) but do not see them if you have any sort of health insurance or Medicaid because obviously she doesn't know what she's talking about and it could literally kill you.
I'm not mean, rude, or nasty towards anyone.. even when I should be. I can just tell that she looks at me as a dirty drug addict that's basically just a piece of crap and it's just not right or ethical by any means. I was just appalled. Why treat someone so horribly that's trying to do better with their life? Why make them feel so ashamed and embarrassed/humiliated for even sharing this information in the first place? Not a kind person at all.
My husband and I lost our insurance and qualified for Health Right. At first I thought it probably wouldn’t be as “good” as the “real “ doctors office. I was greatly surprised. I absolutely had the best experience I have ever had in my life there! Everything I needed was addressed better than at my regular Drs office. I never waited too long at any appointment, and was treated with the utmost compassionate care. Dr Amanda was absolutely the best I have ever had. The healthy living class has made an impression on my life still to this day. Dr Amy also helped council me through a really hard time in my life and the classes that she offered have had an impact to this day on my outlook on how to deal with life effectively. Everyone at the Wheeling office were above and beyond anything I ever hoped to have. Although I am grateful to be in a better financial place now and have insurance of our own, I was devastated that I had to leave the astounding care I received there. Truly grateful for this place and the care I received both mentally and physically there. ❤️ Thanks to all the people there. Toni
I have been a client of Heath Right for years, The people, Nurses, Doctors, Staff are the most kind and giving people you will ever meet. They take the time out to listen to what is ailing you weather you are sick or just need to vent One or two are there to listen and sometimes give you a hug. These people have gone out of their way to make sure you are taken care of from flue shots to vitamin shots, and all in between. These people saved my life from me being drepresssed. I have had two knees replaced to having a biospy done. I have needed crutches, walker and they were there with those items for me. Oh and the dental clinic, oh my God, what a wonderful staff there is there. They took x-rays of my mouth, pulled the teeth that were making me sick and kept calling to see how I was doing. I now have new teeth thanks to Health Right Dental Clinic and I can smile. I really just cant say enough good about them. There is so much more this place does. This place makes you feel like you are visiting an old friend. So please donate, without your donation all of what I just said wouldnt of happened. With your donations the possibilities are endless
As a former employee of Wheeling Health Right, I was honored to work for an organization that truly believed in caring for the uninsured and underinsured patients in our community. Patients at Wheeling Health Right get vital health care and medications to combat a variety of health care needs. I was proud to know that the work of the caring professionals made a difference in the everyday lives of our patients. The clinic has truly evolved into a place where the less fortunate can go to receive comprehensive health care services.
The staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing the best care possible for the patients. In collaboration with area hospitals, the clinic is able to provide outpatient and inpatient care for its clients.
When my wife and I were first married, we did not have health insurance nor could we afford to purchase insurance. Wheeling Health Right helped to care for both my wife and I during difficult times, kept us healthy and working until we could secure better jobs with benefits. I am so grateful for Wheeling Health Right and their exceptional staff who helped me when I most needed help.
Wheeling Health Right is a nationally recognized model clinic. The clinic strives to put the patient first and to ensure top quality care always. A new dental clinic is the newest addition to the One Stop Shop at Wheeling Health Right. They have outstanding staff and volunteers and the patients truly love to come to the clinic.
As a practicing physician and as a CEO for 13 years of a major health care system, it has been my privilege to have been associated with Wheeling Health Right for 30 years. Under the caring and leadership of Kathie Brown, the organization has grown from a very small clinic to one that is now serving over 15,000 working poor individuals for their primary health care and medications. More services have been added each year and the clinic is about to initiate a full service Dental Clinic.
For the past eight years I have been involved directly with the clinic as a volunteer physician, seeing first-hand the competent and caring work of the mid-level providers, nurses and support staff. As in all organizations, successful ones, must have leadership at the top that sets the tone for the organization. We are blessed to have Kathie Brown as our leader who serves tirelessly to care the economically less fortunate individuals of our community and she does it with a very small administrative staff. In spite of significant cuts in funding by our state government, the clinic has a positive bottom line. This is accomplished through Kathie’s efforts to be the “designated beggar” of the organization.
Wheeling Health Right is truly deserving to be honored by receiving a 2015 Top Rated Award.
Donald H. Hofreuter, M.D.
I started there as a new Nurse Practitioner in 2001. I saw first-hand the incredible need of the patients. Every day I would go and provide care. Every day I climbed exhaustedly into my car to go to my comfortable home with my two sons. I was a single mom at the time and thought quietly, "there by God's grace go I". I love Health Right, Kathy and the staff. They are on the front lines every day providing care for the lost and unwanted. There are stories of love, courage and faith. Above all there is compassion and caring. I wish I could be a part of their team and someday may return, but for now I do what I can to ensure that Health Right survives.
Wheeling, WV is blessed to have Kathie Brown and her organization in our area. Kathie goes above and beyond her job to take care of the patients, secure available funding and hire top notch staff. It is a wonderful organization.
I was a patient for several years. If it hadn't been for them, I would never have found out I was in renal failure and I probably would be dead, I got my medications there at an affordable price and received excellent frim all the staff. They are such a wonderful asset to a community of people without health insurance. I can't imagine what Wheeling would be like without them!
I started off being a patient way back in 1985 when I lost my health care from a work stoppage.I saw first hand what they did for the working poor.
I progressed to a Board Member for two different cycles.
Health Right has earned my respect and the respect from the Ohio Valley communities
Very proud of my time with Health Right and what they do in our valley
This is a fabulous organization that provides vital services to the community. The people of Wheeling Health Right are dedicated, special people. They do all they can to help their clients and I feel my donations have been wisely used.
The staff truly cares about the PEOPLE they serve. Patients aren't numbers at Wheeling Health Right and administration is always looking for new, innovative ways to offer services that address their patients' unique needs.
Wheeling Health Right has a warm, dedicated, caring, and professional staff. They always put the patient first and work tirelessly to enhance their services to the Northern Panhandle's uninsured and under-insured population.
Wheeling Health Right's executive director, medical staff, and volunteers have the expertise to serve the Ohio Valley’s most vulnerable population. They truly care about their patients' health and well-being. The clinic fills gaps in coverage, services, availability, and providers and provides quality health care and promotes healthy lifestyles and diet through on-going education resulting in reduced healthcare costs.
I was first introduced to Wheeling Health Right when I was invited to serve on the Board. It was a real pleasure working with the group and learning about all the ways they have helped our community. Since that introduction, I have referred many people to them for services across the spectrum and all have been pleased. They are incredibly important to the Ohio Valley.
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Wheeling Health Right is a teriffic organization that makes a major impact in the lives and health of our communities low income working uninsured. I was at one time a client and without Health Right I don't know what I would have done. I no longer need their services but continue to try to raise funds for this very worthwhile organization.
Wheeling Health Right has taken care of all my medical needs for several years now. Staff is professional and courteous. When scheduling appointments, they try their best to work around my crazy work schedule. The services continue to expand to suit the needs of their patients. There's a pharmacy on site with $2 co-pays for ALL meds. They provide a diabetes clinic, counseling services, help those wanting to give up tobacco products and all kinds of things that directly meet the needs of the 20,000+ patients. They also have coordinated efforts with the Lions Club to provide an eye exam and glasses to those in need.
Personally I don't think I would be here if it weren't doe Health Right. I lost my job and have several medical issues including diabetes. The staff I. The pharmacy are always friendly and make sure I am well taken care of. The nurses and Staff in the clinic are always extremely attentive to my needs. If I am not well the front staff get me in right away. Thank you for all you to do not only for me but the thousand others who you serve on a yearly basis
Wheeling Health Right is always there for those who cannot afford health care. It saves people's lives and gives them the opportunity to live a better life. Many people have been touched by its services.
As a volunteer, I helped with different areas of care. My first day I was overwhelmed at the number of prescriptions that were filled in a day. I realized most of these people would go without their medicines if not for Health Right. I also helped with filing papers on charts and noticed the extent of care these patients recieved. They treated simple colds to major life threarening illnesses. So many of the doctors do volunteer work to help the underprivledged. The doctors were psychiatrist, OB and gyne doctors, cardiologist, family doctors and more. All were treated with respect and dignity and made to feel that their life mattered. The community would be in dire need of care if Wheeling Health Right did not exist. They make community care important to people not just in Wheeling but many counties in WV and Ohio. Their special programs include going out into the community for Diabetic education, smoking cessation, Baby and child care and many other helpful programs.
My mother owes her life to this nonprofit organization. She was able to be admitted to the hospital through the emergency department because this is a service offered by Wheeling Health Right. Dr. Commerci, her family physician, consulted a surgeon when she was admitted and she was found to have a life threatening fatal infection known as necrotizing fascitis (tissue eating bacteria). She was transported via ambulance to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh after having one surgery to try to contain the bacteria. The surgery was not a success and she needed more specialized surgeon and care that were not provided at Wheeling hospital. She ended up having 22 total surgeries, a wound vac placed, and went into acute renal failure. If she was not able to go to the hospital because of Health Right in the first place, she would be dead today! Thank you for saving my mother's life and allowing her to continue being an awesome mother. Thanks to Kathie Brown, the president of this organization, as her dedication to her patient's, patient's families, physicians, and staff has exceeded all expectations. Wheeling Health Right still provides care to my mother today and she receives her medications here as well. The staff are friendly, empathetic and always willing to help. Please keep nonprofit health care organizations such as this one up and running for those individuals that are not fortunate enough to be able to afford health care. I highly recommend Wheeling Health Right to anyone!!