I thought Healthcare Reform solved this problem!

Even under ideal circumstances and full implementation of the legislation, the Congressional Budget Office estimated 23 million individuals not covered.

Moreover, the legislation’s called for expansion of Medicaid, insurance subsidies and federal funding of clinics are all in great doubt due to federal and state budgetary issues.

The need for more ECHO facilitated clinics is difficult to deny.

I am a doctor interested in volunteering, but I am concerned about my malpractice liability

The number of law suits against volunteers offering care at charitable clinics is incredibly small, but ECHO recommends that each clinic provide protection for their volunteers. Clinics can provide professional liability protection for their volunteer and staff providers by purchasing an insurance policy or by accessing the no-cost coverage provided by the Federal Tort Claims Act.  Some states also offer very comprehensive liability protection for volunterrs at charitable clinics. An ECHO consultant will guide the team through the decision process.

How long does it take to start an ECHO clinic?

There are many variables that determine how long it takes to launch a new clinic, but the process usually takes between 12 to 18 months.

What services and resources does ECHO provide to help me start a clinic?

ECHO will assign an experienced consultant to work with your project. You will have access to our planning guide (add link) and benchmarking tools, start-up files and documentation. ECHO also offers a monthly conference call for training and networking with operational clinics and projects under development.

What ongoing help does ECHO provide?

ECHO offers an opportunity for networking with other ECHO clinics nationwide and is working on expanding our capabilities to provide ongoing services that will help clinics continioulsy improve their operations and increase their impact.

How can ECHO provide these services at no cost?

ECHO operating expenses are funded by charitable contributions of numerous foundations and individuals primarily from Fort Worth, Texas.

Who is John Snyder?

John Snyder is a native of Fort Worth Texas and a successful business man who felt called to make an impact on the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors by helping to create medical clinics to serve them.

Does ECHO tell us what services we can or cannot offer in our clinic?

Your ECHO consultant will help your team determine the needs in your community and the resources available to address those needs and identify where gaps exist. It is then up to your team to determine what services the clinic will offer and how frequently it will operate.

Does ECHO work with all denominations?

Yes.

I am not affiliated with a church group but I want to start a clinic, can ECHO help me?

ECHO works with both faith-based and secular not for profit organizations.

Will ECHO consultants keep religion out of the conversation if we are not a faith based group?

Yes.

Will ECHO allow for our practice of faith in the operation of our clinic?

ECHO does not prescribe how or if your clinic incorporates a spiritual component to its operation. We do require that service not be denied to anyone based on their beliefs or lack thereof.

How much money does it take to start a clinic?

Many variables contribute to the development of a start-up budget. Your ECHO consultant will help your team determine what is realistic for your situation.

What are the expectations and obligations of the clinic to ECHO once we open?

In order for ECHO to evaluate the quality of our services, as well as to develop ways to help our clinics improve their operations and increae their impact, we will require ongoing information and dialog about your clinic operation and services.  In turn, we will offer an opportunity for networking with other ECHO clinics nationwide and services to help you continously improve.