Information for Medical Volunteers

Physicians
Our clinic is open Monday through Thursday 9:00- 4:00. Physicians may choose the date and time that they are available to see patients. Most physicians volunteer two to three hours per month and see 5 to 8 patients during their volunteer time.

Specialty Physicians who wish to provide consultations by phone or at their office may also join the clinic physician volunteers. These physicians act as consults to the physicians seeing patients at the clinic.

If surgeons wish to volunteer, they may perform procedures at Valley Ambulatory Surgical Center if on staff at that facility. Dr.Bettag has offered use of Valley Ambulatory for surgical cases at no charge to the patients.

What about liability?
Many malpractice insurance providers will cover volunteer work; however Illinois has an amendment to the Medical Practice Act which provides immunity from civil liability for physicians who volunteer services for a free medical clinic. Copies of this statute are available at the clinic. Reference HB355 Amendment to the Medical Practice Act of 1987 (Changing Section 31). (225IlCS 60/31) from Ch. 111, par. 4400-31 Titled “Liability exclusion; free medical clinic”.

Does the clinic have medications and ancillary testing capabilities?
The clinic has a stock of commonly prescribed medications. The clinic purchases generic medications. We also have sample medications donated from various pharmaceutical companies. We do not stock nor dispense any narcotics, controlled substances, psychotropic drugs or birth control medications.

Labs and Radiology testing are provided by Delnor-Community Hospital These tests are performed conservatively and are not charged to the patients.

Registered Nurses/Nurse Practitioner
The clinic has volunteer R.N.s who work with physicians treating patients. R.N. responsibilities include: welcoming patients to our clinic, triaging and assisting staff to meet our patient’s needs.