A nurse practitioner is taking a new brand of health care door-to-door in Ashland in a van loaded with medical supplies.
Christina Spring's new business, Ashland MobileMed, began as a part-time venture in December and quickly grew to full-time.
Spring is rebirthing the era of house calls, returning to "old-school" medicine.
"We just need better options for health care," she said. "That's what I'm trying to get out there."
A home-grown girl who was raised in Polk and graduated from Mapleton High School, Spring is focusing on home-centered care for a range of patients, including people who are unable to leave their homes because of mobility or other issues, lack of health insurance or high deductibles.
Having earned her degrees as a registered nurse at North Central State College and family nurse practitioner at the University of Cincinnati, Spring is authorized and certified to take on the tasks of a primary care doctor, bringing the tools of her trade into the comfort of her patients' home.
Unit carries tools for testing, dispensing and prescribing
She carries with her strep and COVID tests, blood pressure supplies and other standard medical equipment.
Her services range from flushing out ears to cutting toenails of elderly clients, in addition to conducting sports and work physicals.
She can prescribe and dispense medication. Some medication she can take with her at the time of the visit with no trip to the pharmacy necessary.
"I just really love patient care," Spring said. "I go from home to home for whoever needs me.
"I see anybody in Ashland County," she said, covering patients from "birth to death."
Addressing physical and emotional needs
Spending more time with each patient − up to an hour instead of the typical 15 minutes − means addressing a full range of needs.
Spring recalled a patient who very infrequently made a doctor's appointment. When he came to see her, she wanted to cover "everything (he) was bringing to me" because she might not see him again.
She also has time to talk about mental health and anxiety, a topic that could be discussed outside of a person's home, perhaps at a library in a meeting room or a restaurant.
A weight loss program also is available.
Spring is concerned about people "falling through the cracks" and can, in just one visit, "get (multiple) services going for them."
She doesn't bill insurance companies, but rather charges $100 per visit or $50 for a video/telehealth session. There are other ways to use insurance, however, for example, sending lab work and imaging orders to nearby facilities.
If there is an issue Spring can't take care of, she can make a referral or connect the patient with additional assistance.
Spring began her career as a state-tested nursing assistant at Kingston in 2002. Her work experience includes OhioHealth, the student health center at Ashland University and the intensive care unit at Samaritan Hospital. She helped to open the Minute Clinic at CVS in Ashland.
'I want to be a resource and give good care'
From kindergarten on, she knew this was her career path.
Now, with a family of her own, Spring accommodates patients whenever possible outside of specific hours.
When a mom got in touch with her to say her son had an ear problem and was leaving for camp the next day, Spring arranged to take care of him right after an event with her own child.
While there are urgent care centers and an actual mobile unit here and there, Spring said her particular service is unique.
"I kept being led to this," she said. "I feel like this is God's path for me. "I want to be a resource and give good care."
The new business was celebrated July 11 in the parking lot of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce with proclamations from government officials, a ribbon-cutting and refreshments.
Renae Osborne, director of programs and finance for the Ashland Chamber, said she is "excited about the opportunity (Spring) has to serve the community," citing "a lot of folks she will be able to help."
Community members have a variety of challenges in accessing medical care, agreed state Rep. Melanie Miller, telling Spring, "I want to thank you for taking this step" and being "committed to excellence...and taking care of our community."
Spring may be contacted by phone or text at 419-963-3577.
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