FAQ’s
What is the JayDoc Free Clinic?
The JayDoc Free Health Clinic is part of the Safety Net Clinic Coalition of Wyandotte County providing important health care services to those in need. JayDoc refers to the historic mascot of the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
JayDoc is the only free health clinic in the Kansas City area that is open in the evenings and does not require any documentation in order to be seen. We also provide interpreters for non-English speaking patients.
We do not take appointments but rather see patients based on a lottery system of those who show up during clinic hours.
Tell me about the clinic. How and when does it operate?
Jaydoc is a free health clinic that serves the community in two ways. First, it provides 100% free health care to patients. Second, as a student run facility overseen by licensed physicians, Jaydoc is an essential learning tool for future doctors.
Jaydoc operates Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00-9:00pm. JayDoc also has specialty clinic nights on Tuesdays, with designated practices such as diabetes care and women’s health. The healthcare crisis affects millions of Americans. Jaydoc’s mission is to provide access to a basic but essential need to the community at large.
How is Jaydoc funded?
Jaydoc is exclusively funded by student efforts at grant writing and fundraising. The JayRock benefit concert allows us to relieve some of Jaydoc’s funding burden through the generosity of local citizens.
How many patients do you normally see each night? Do you ever have to turn people away?
Each night varies, but Jaydoc typically serves 16-18 patients each night. Our aim is to serve all who need health care. At certain times, patient demand can exceed our resources. In those cases, we work closely with patients to provide alternative care options.
What services are provided at JayDoc?
The clinic provides urgent care for illnesses and preventive care for school or work. We provide well-baby, child and teenager exams and give physical exams for work, school, and sports. We do not provide emergency services, vaccinations, or X-rays. We also have information available on a range of helpful government assistance programs and referrals to other low-cost clinics in Wyandotte County.
Who will a patient see at JayDoc?
The clinic is primarily run by medical students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, with close supervision from licensed physicians volunteering that evening.
Does it cost anything to go?
No, the JayDoc clinic is completely free of charge and patients do not need to show any income eligibility or any other type of documentation to receive free health care services. JayDoc is funded through grants, fundraisers, and generous and supportive community members.
Can patients make an appointment to be seen at JayDoc?
No. Patients should arrive at the clinic at 5 p.m. on Monday or Wednesday night. At 5 o’clock, staff members will pass out numbers and everyone will have an equal chance of being seen. However, patients should arrive at the clinic at 5 p.m. to have the best chance at being seen by a medical student and doctor.
What kinds of patients go to JayDoc?
We will accept anyone that has questions or concerns about their health. Most of our patients are people without health insurance, or come from an underserved medical community.
Where is JayDoc located?
We are located at 300 Southwest Blvd. in Kansas City, KS on the northwest corner of Rainbow Boulevard and Southwest Blvd across the street from the Dairy Queen. The entrance to the parking lot is on Southwest Boulevard. During the day, the building that houses JayDoc serves as another safety net clinic.
What physicians volunteer at JayDoc?
Any practicing physician who is licensed in the state of Kansas is eligible and welcome to volunteer at JayDoc. Some physicians volunteer multiple times during a month and others may volunteer just three times during the year. Many of the physicians who volunteer are family practitioners, internists, and pediatricians, but we welcome any physician who is comfortable providing primary and preventive health services in an acute care setting.