COGDELL FAMILY CLINIC MEDICAL STAFF

                                      Dale Dunn, M.D.

Dr. Dunn earned his degree from the TTHSC.  He is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He practices Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Emergency Medicine.

 Gail Hirschfield, M.D. 

Attended UTMB Galveston and completed her residency at UTHSC in Houston. Dr. Hirschfield has "convenience hours" from 8:00am - 9:00am, and 4:00pm - 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday.

Andrea Schiffner, PA-C, RN

                 A native West Texan, Andrea attended Texas Tech Health & Science Center in Midland, Texas.

Cogdell Family Clinic is a hospital based primary care clinic developed to help serve the community's health care needs. Rural health clinics (RHC) are designed to improve access to health care by utilizing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide primary care. According to the Center for Rural Health Initiatives "there are currently over 800 rural health clinics throughout the nation certified by the Health Care Financing Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services." RHC's have proven to provide quality care while being cost effective.

What is the Rural Health Clinic Services Act (PL 95-210)?

According to the Center for Rural Health Initiatives the intent was "to increase availability and accessibility of primary and emergency health care needs to residents of rural areas that have a shortage of health care services and professionals."

What type of Health Care Providers work in a Rural Health Clinic?

• Physicians: A physician will provide medical direction to the nurse practitioner or physician assistant through protocols. The physician visits the clinic at least once weekly to observe and provide medical direction and consultations. The physician may not be present in the clinic daily, but is available by phone.

• Nurse Practitioners (NP): A NP is a registered nurse with advance clinical training and advanced education in primary health care. The NP is board certified in his/her specialty. NP's are able to interpret diagnostic tests, as well as diagnose and treat illness.

• Physician Assistants (PA): A PA is a licensed health professional trained in medical services. The PA is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician's Assistants. PA's are able to interpret diagnostic tests, as well as diagnose and treat illness.

 What Services are Available at a Rural Health Clinic?   

• Physical Exams & Medical Histories
• Diagnose & Treat Infections and Injuries
• Diagnose & Treat Diabetes
• Diagnose & Treat High Blood Pressure
• Lab, X-Ray & Diagnostic Tests Performed & Interpreted
• Family Planning
• Sports Physicals

• Well-Child Physicals for Medicaid & Screening Purposes
• Immunizations
• Education & Counseling
• Referrals to Specialists
• Pap Smears
• Family Health