Ultrasound Update
Since obtaining the ultrasound machine just over two years ago, how desperately we have wanted to “just go ahead and turn the machine on and do some ultrasounds”. How simple it should be. However doing an ultrasound is more than just turning on the ultrasound machine.Medical FacilityTo perform an ultrasound First Choice for Women must become a “medical clinic”. A medical clinic must be a licensed medical facility complying with all federal and state laws regarding medical offices. As I've investigated, this task is fairly onerous. It initially left me questioning why we should take the time energy and resources to proceed. It would certainly allow us to “turn on the ultrasound machine” but also expand into pregnancy confirmation testing (and/or even STD testing)Distinct AdvantageHowever after doing further research, it does appear that converting to a medical clinic can be a distinct advantage toward our mission. According to the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) pregnancy centers that become medical clinics see the following results:
- An increase in the overall number of clients, therefore reaching more vulnerable women.
- Attracting more abortion minded, and more women in general
- Empowering women to choose life. Most pregnancy clinics report 70% to 90% of their volume of women choose life after seeing the baby on ultrasound.
- Gaining credibility community. Studies show that professionals such as clinic nurses and social workers etc. are much more likely to refer individuals to a licensed medical clinic for pregnancy due to the title conveying professional and quality services. This gives further legitimacy in the community as well as with our professional colleagues.
Doing it RightTo this end I have proceeded to start the process and investigate the feasibility of converting First Choice for Women into a medical clinic. I have received and reviewed a manual from NIFLA outlining the procedure of converting a pregnancy center into a medical clinic. This is a long and complicated road that requires maneuvering through various legal entities to become a legitimate medical office. This is where we need to not only do the right thing, but to do the thing right. Additionally, there are significant costs associated with setting up a medical clinic; including a legal audit, obtaining malpractice insurance for both the center and the medical director, and developing an appropriate set of medical policies and procedures. But the costs are worth it! That is why we are here! NIFLA has a program which can help us proceed down this road so that we're not reinventing the wheel ourselves. However like any services this will require capital outlay.Ultrasound CommitteeI have formed a core committee including myself Dr. Robert Darroca (obstetrician) Dr. Daniel Lopiccolo (obstetrician) and Rick Morris (ultrasound technician) to begin the process of outlining a medical clinic conversion. I'm hopeful that I will have timely updates in this endeavor!
