Free clinic eyed for east Clark County

A Camas physician is spearheading an effort to open a free clinic in east Clark County.

Dr. Dino Ramzi, a family medicine physician at Lacamas Medical Group, wants to open a nonprofit, integrated care clinic to meet the needs of Camas and Washougal residents. The clinic, named 360 Care, would not only provide primary care but also behavioral health services and life coaching, Ramzi said.

“I envision a place where people get a continuity of care,” he said.

To support the clinic’s charitable work, it would offer a low-cost subscription model that would allow patients to pay a monthly fee for primary care services. The subscription fee replaces other costs for care, such as co-pays. The model is popular among people who have insurance plans with large deductibles or those who are uninsured, Ramzi said.

At least 50 percent of the clinic’s services would be offered for free to those who qualify. Any additional revenue would be used to add and expand services, he said.

Eventually, Ramzi would like to see the clinic serve Medicare and Medicaid members.

“There is a need for services in east county,” he said. “I work in this community, and I can really see the need.”

Since word about the clinic has gotten out, Ramzi has heard from a medical assistant, physician assistant, physician and psychologist who are interested in joining the clinic. Others in the community have offered materials and equipment.

But Ramzi is still looking for space to house the clinic; previous plans to house the clinic at a church fell through, Ramzi said. And he wants to hear from the community, to ensure people will support 360 Care.

“A lot of people are interested at the level of talking,” he said. “I hope to crystallize this venture.”

Ramzi is holding a community meeting to discuss 360 Care at 6:30 p.m. March 24 at the Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St.

Marissa Harshman: 360-735-4546; marissa.harshman@columbian.com; twitter.com/MarissaHarshman