Health Care in Pulaski and Lonoke Counties

There are many health care services in Pulaski and Lonoke counties for military, civilians and veterans, though implementation of the Affordable Care Act has changed established insurance options. Visit www.healthcare.gov for information on open enrollment for health care coverage under the national Affordable Care Act.

See the Military Buyer’s Guide to connect with local hospitals and medical centers, health care centers and health care providers.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE CLINICS AND RESOURCES

A community health center or clinic is customarily the place to go for those who have no health insurance or have limited income or ability to pay medical fees. Such clinics accept most insurance and provide affordable, comprehensive health care by well-trained, professional staff. They also serve those who are uninsured and underinsured, and most are open to making sliding scale payment arrangements based on income and family size.

For a full list of community health centers in Arkansas, visit the Community Health Centers of Arkansas website at www.chc-ar.org.

DENTAL CARE

The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners website, www.dentalboard.arkansas.gov, is a useful place to start in finding a dentist with its roster lists. Select “Online Services” from the home page and select an option under “Roster Searches” to find or verify a dentist, hygienist or dental assistant. You can also seek referrals from people you know who’ve had dental care in the area.

• Consider the following to find the best dentist for your needs.
• Are the dentist’s office hours convenient for your schedule?
• Is the dental office close to your home or office?
• How are dental emergencies handled?
• Does the office appear to be clean and well organized?
• Is the staff helpful and friendly?
• What are the dental office’s financial policies and how is insurance handled?

The Arkansas Department of Health can give you tips for oral health and low-cost dental care. Visit its website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/take-care-of-your-teeth.

FINDING A LOCAL DOCTOR

The best rule in finding a health care provider in a new location is the sooner, the better. Before you arrive at your new assignment, you can check the Arkansas State Medical Board’s online directory at www.armedicalboard.org/Public.aspx. You can browse for a provider by name.

Personal referrals from friends or other medical personnel can add to your options.

You can check a doctor’s certification at the American Board of Medical Specialties at www.abms.org. To see if anyone has registered a complaint or taken disciplinary action against the doctor, visit the Arkansas State Medical Board at www.armedicalboard.org or call 501-296-1802. When you have selected a health care provider, consider the following.

• When you scheduled your appointment, was the receptionist friendly, prompt and professional? Did he or she take time to answer your questions? Were you left on hold too long?
• When you arrived for your appointment, were you greeted promptly? Was the reception area clean and comfortable? Was the staff friendly and willing to answer your questions?
• Did you have to wait long in the exam room before the doctor arrived? Was the exam room orderly and clean, with a chair for a family member?
• When the doctor arrived and introduced himself or herself, did he or she seem rushed or tired? Did you get a good first impression?
• During the consultation, did nurses or assistants pop in and out? Did the doctor seem caring, compassionate and sympathetic to your concerns? Did you feel comfortable revealing personal information? Did the doctor rush through the meeting?

Treat finding a doctor as seriously as looking for a new job or a new home. You want to be comfortable with the person who will see you while you are most vulnerable.