Rural Health Clinic Moves Down the Street and Adds Dental Services; Open House on Tuesday

The Rural Health Clinic operated by the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District has moved a few doors west, and is now located at 1028 W. Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City (in the former Serenity Place Gallery) and, as of next Friday, August 21st, the health care facility will also offer dental services. Clinic Manager Wendy Hayes tells KBHR that medical services offered at the Rural Health Clinic, like those offered at the Family Health Center on Summit Boulevard (across from the hospital), are available to those with MediCal and, adds Hayes, “Even for those who do not have insurance, we will see them at the Rural Health Clinic.” At the clinic’s new location, which includes four medical exam rooms and two new dental chairs, dental services will be provided by local dentist Dr. Mark Brown. Individuals without dental insurance, no matter the level of income, will be asked to pay on a sliding scale system. For those seeking to apply to MediCal for medical services, the Rural Health Clinic has a MediCal worker on site, to assist in the application process; MediCal is available to those with no-to-low-income and seniors with Medicare. The Rural Health Clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm; on weekends, Hayes notes that clinic patrons with pressing issues can visit the hospital which, she says, “the Emergency Room will also never turn patients away.” The Rural Health and Dental Clinic will host an open house this coming Tuesday, August 18, from 5:30 to 7pm; this is an opportunity to check out the new facilities, pick up some information and dental floss, and enjoy free refreshments. For more information, or to schedule a medical or dental appointment, call 878-8221.