Don't have insurance? Check out Bono Barter Clinic

Appointments: (870) 930-9990 Fax: (870) 930-9992 Launching February 3, 2011 !! Appointment times from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Thursdays only

9146 Hwy 63 N, Bono, AR 72416 Directions: From Jonesboro, take Hwy 63 north. Clinic is on the right 1.5 miles past the Dan Avenue exit (or 1.5 miles past the Jonesboro Auto Auction). The clinic is located inside the House Medical Clinic building. We’ve all heard about the country doctor who gets paid with chickens. Well, this isn’t exactly like that, but the new Bono Barter Clinic comes close. If you don’t have insurance, then you’re going to appreciate Bono Barter Clinic. Here’s how it works: every Thursday, inside the House Medical Clinic building, Bono Barter Clinic will offer 15 minute appointments for only $45. You will see Dr. House or another medical professional just as you would if you made an appointment with the regular clinic. But you’ll pay just $45 cash or goods for the appointment. Other items such as strep tests, flu shots, etc., will still be available but won’t be included in the office visit fee. If you need procedures done such as mole removal, pap exams, etc., that will also be available for a reduced amount. So where does the “Barter” part come in? Well, that’s where it gets interesting. If you can’t afford cash, the clinic will barter with you for items you bring in. The items have to be something that you’ve made, grown, or produced, or a service that you provide. For example, if you make quilts, or can foods, or make furniture, those would all be excellent items to bring in for barter. There are a few limitations. No live animals (exception may be made this spring for some farm animals such as chickens or goats), no dangerous, illegal, nor flammable items, and everything must be produced locally and be relatively new - in other words, no used TVs, computers, stereos made in some overseas factory. You get the idea. The acceptance and value of what you bring in will be subject to negotiation. Bono Barter Clinic is open to anyone, whether you have insurance or not. However, the clinic will not bill insurance, Medicare, nor Medicaid. If you require that service, then you’ll need to be seen in the regular House Medical Clinic.You will be given a receipt for your visit which you are free to submit to your insurance company if you like. Current House Medical Clinic patients who don’t have insurance are encouraged to make an appointment with Bono Barter Clinic. One other very important thing to know about Bono Barter Clinic: Dr. House WILL NOT prescribe narcotics for any reason to patients seen in this clinic. For the few patients who might need narcotics, you will need to be seen in the regular House Medical Clinic. The whole idea behind this new clinic being run by Dr. House is to provide area residents with affordable healthcare while allowing those on fixed budgets to use their skills to obtain the care they need. Who knows, maybe everyone will have some fun at the same time.