Community involvement could benefit local clinic
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

The doctor is in Arnett's Dr. Brian Doggett sits in his office at the clinic on Armory Road and wonders how much longer he will be there. Concerned community members have intervened with Arnett's board of directors to stave off closing of the Delphi clinic. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

Dr. Brian Doggett learned two months ago that his medical clinic on Armory Road was on Arnett Clinic's chopping block. He began a campaign to change the course of action and save his practice.

When members of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, the Delphi Chamber of Commerce, and other community members heard of the near certainty of the clinic closing, they joined the effort to prevent the loss to the community.

"This is about protecting the services we need (in our community)," acting county chamber president Dick Bradshaw said at that time.

Putting action to their words, a group of concerned business and community leaders came together to work with Arnett personnel, including Doggett, to reach a workable solution.

The last meeting was July 20 and included Doggett, Dr. Michael Skehan, president of board of directors for Arnett Health Systems, three county council members, one county commissioner, and Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard.

Skehan

"We see this as a community problem," Bradshaw said. "We are looking at the needs of the county for the next four to five years."

"We need to understand there are a lot of businesses in Delphi that are struggling," Delphi chamber president Krista Watson said. "We need to encourage growth. I don't have all the answers, but this concerns me a great deal."

Watson said although the focus of current group talks is the clinic, other issues are discussed as well.

"The focus is on the clinic because Dr. Doggett asked for help," she said. "But we are working to save any business in trouble."

Skehan said the Arnett board decided to delay the decision whether or not to close the clinic for another six months. The postponement will allow time for changes to "improve (decrease) the amount of the financial loss the clinic experiences annually."

The loss amount has been reported at $200,000 for last year. Skehan explained the number is derived from a financial formula of cost sharing used to examine the financial health of all Arnett clinics. The total comes not only from direct patient business at the Armory Road facility, but also from support services provided by Arnett Health Systems to the clinic.

Skehan said Arnett's goal is to make the clinic viable by improving the business model to make the office busier. This will be done by offering more patient hours, making staffing changes, and reviewing monthly financial statements in detail.

Skehan said another problem for many rural clinics is a perception among patients and community members that a specialist, rather than family practitioner, is needed for a variety of conditions. He said the family doctor is very capable to treat a variety of conditions and will make referrals to specialists, if indicated.

Doggett said he is board certified and must successfully complete 150 hours of continuing education every five years and undergo a written examination every six years.

"He is a specialist," Skehan said of Doggett. "People just don't recognize it's a board that certifies and re-tests his capabilities."

Skehan said although other rural Arnett clinics are being considered for closing, Carroll County is the only county to pull resources together to retain their clinic.

"I think it will work out," Doggett said. "I want to stay in Delphi and the community."

"There are a lot of people who want to see Doggett stay," Bradshaw concluded.

He said group members will disperse into their respective organizations to develop ideas for the next meeting, which will be held in approximately two months.

Delphi's Arnett Clinic Office Hours Mon., Tue., Thurs., & Fri.: 8-5

Wed.: 8-12 noon Telephone: (765) 564-2777 Calendar