Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinics

What is an MDA Clinic?

The MDA clinic offers an interdisciplinary team approach towards initial diagnosis and follow-up care. Members of the clinic team may include neurologists, physiatrists (a doctor that specializes in physical medicine), orthotists and physical & occupational therapists. MDA Staff attends all clinics. The clinic relies heavily on a team approach in order to provide the best care to those being seen. Depending on a patient’s need he or she may see each of the providers. MDA Clinics also seek to work with individuals’ primary care physicians, providing summary reports after clinic appointments and advising personal physicians on problems related to specific conditions.

Can I be seen at the MDA Clinic?

The MDA Clinic is available to any person who has one of the forty-three neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA (see www.mdausa.org for a complete list). ALS is one of the primary diseases covered by MDA. Initial diagnosis can also be determined at the MDA Clinic. The only requirement for receiving an evaluation for diagnosis at the MDA Clinic is the written recommendation of a physician in whose judgement you may have one of the diseases covered by MDA.

Are there fees involved at the MDA Clinic?

It is MDA policy to assist with payment only for services authorized within its program that are not covered by insurance or other community programs. Therefore, insurance, when available, will be billed prior to MDA. There are no fees for individuals to be examined by providers at the Clinic*. The following are some of the authorized medical services available through the MDA Clinic.

· Therapeutic Services – Annual consultations for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and respiratory therapy.

· Flu Inoculations – One annual inoculation.

· Follow-up Visits - After initial diagnosis, patients are eligible for four annual follow-up visits.

· Transportation - Transportation can also be arranged for clinic appointments. Contact MDA for more information.

Where are MDA Clinics held?

MDA provides comprehensive medical services to tens of thousands of people with neuromuscular diseases at more than 200 hospital-affiliated clinics across the country. MDA operates the following three clinics in the state of Oregon, serving residents of Oregon, southwestern Washington and Northern California:

· Portland MDA Clinic - Oregon Health Sciences University

Directed by neurologist Barry Russman, this clinic takes place monthly. Clinic team members include neurologists, physician’s assistant, physiatrist, physical therapist and orthotist.

· Eugene MDA Clinic – Sacred Heart Hospital

The Eugene MDA Clinic meets once every two months. Directed by neurologist Steven Goins, the clinic team is rounded out by a physiatrist, occupational & physical therapists, an orthotist and a durable medical equipment vendor.

· Medford MDA Clinic – Rogue Valley Medical Center

The Medford Clinic takes place monthly and is headed by neurologist Larry Maukonen.

Who do I contact for more info or to schedule an appointment?