"That overall comprehensive holistic approach is where we are going," Dr. Christensen says, "where our mission is."

Early in the program's mission Dr. Christensen realized that unless the other barriers to a productive life-- i.e. lack of mental health, dental health, mentorship, education levels, etc., were addressed, just treating the medical aspects conventionally wouldn't lead to significant success. "This [AHRQ] report was a little bit of scientific validation on the program and the fiscal success. While our program is expensive and supported through philanthropy, it is the first step to understanding and addressing these issues. We can see vast savings; we can be cost effective. I think that health care reform has three major tenets: increased access, improved quality of care, and most importantly cost reduction and savings. If a relatively expensive program such as mine can be shown to have cost savings, that makes it all worthwhile."


Dr. Christensen says he is seeing a growing number of kids involved in the program--not surprising in the current economic state; the 2008 numbers show an increase of 32% in clinical visits. The program's staff has grown from just a few in 2000 to a little over 10 at present, including two doctors, one family practice nurse practitioner, three nurses, two case managers, one office manager, one financial specialist and one part-time psychiatric nurse practitioner.

The feedback from the patients leads Dr. Christensen to feel he has the best job in the world. Regardless of the recognition and accolades the program has already received, the most important thing to him is the true appreciation of the patients. The community of the homeless children are very familiar and trusting with the staff and in essence part of their lives. The staff shares in the successes and tragedies of the patient community.

Dr. Christensen says that the program has collected a large amount of data that can possibly lead to four or five more papers being published in public health journals. He is grateful for the past funding from federal and state sources, private philanthropy--and the community support: "...the dollars that come from the community that really make us happy and are the lifeblood of our program. Moms and Dads, local churches and schools, are always there when we ask for help."

The AHRQ's Innovation Profile can be accessed at: http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/content.aspx?id=2477

Watch for a report on mobile medical service providers in the November 2009 issue of DOTmed Business News.

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