#theVIPExperience Post #65: Current VIP

The VIP program is such an impactful program for me as it has allowed me to be the direct gate to ensure patients are receiving the appropriate and adequate care they need. Oftentimes, patients experience a number of personal and systems level barriers that prevent them from being able to access appropriate resources to ensure continuation of care. Through my role as a VIP, I am able to act as a bridge between patients and the overarching system and serve as a guide throughout the scheduling process to ensure the patients’ needs are met. As transportation is considered the most significant barrier in preventing patients from attending their appointments, through the capability to successful transportation and understand the Cincinnati system of providing transportation is an incredibly valuable resource. Oftentimes, patients have the information and motivation to pursue their health outcomes, however as a result of lack of health literacy or complications in the system, it becomes difficult to understand and maneuver through the system and schedule an appointment and transportation. Therefore, the VIP program is such an impactful resource for patients as we are able to directly ensure patients are scheduled for follow-up appointments and receiving appropriate care. I am so grateful for the opportunity to directly serve and tackle this pressing issue in the Cincinnati community and am excited to see how the program is to grow and evolve to have a greater impact in the future.