“CALLING A DOCTOR EARLIER IS BETTER,”

Gila County currently has the second highest rate of COVID-19 cases in the state.
The Payson Christian Clinic, where Dr. Hunt and other physicians volunteer their time, has qualified under the CARES Act to have anything COVID related covered — especially for the under and non-insured.
With COVID, Hunt and her colleagues now have tools to help prevent the infection from shutting down breathing or stopping the heart. But that requires an assessment by a doctor. The sooner a patient tells their doctor they have a positive test, the sooner the doctor can decide if they are a candidate for the monoclonal antibody shot.

“The CARES Act covers all COVID-related medical charges if the insurance does not cover the bill,” said Hunt. “Christian Clinic takes care of the uninsured and underinsured and refers for monoclonal antibodies or needed treatment. We do not charge patients for their care. Don’t want a misunderstanding that Christian Clinic bills insurance or patients.”

Hunt has been surprised at the patients she has seen from all walks of life that struggle without adequate insurance. “They don’t know where to go,” she said.
If a patient has a positive test, Hunt implores them to call their doctor’s office, Urgent Care or the hospital, but do not go in. Staff will remotely guide the patient through what to do next.
Staying out of the hospital critical With the holiday season, Arizona hospitals are nearing their maximum, said Hunt.

“We have got patients now that have been in the emergency room for hours because we can’t transfer them down to treatment,” she said.

In overwhelmed states, hospitals have rationed care to those they believe will most benefit.
For Hunt, keeping people out of the hospital has become her goal.

“It is such a challenge because we have this whole discussion about the vaccinations and they argue with me,” she said. “Now, the patient who has been mad or fought me is now the patient who has to call me. I pray for God’s grace, because at this moment I don’t care what your vaccination status is. I just care about keeping you alive.”

But every day, Hunt and her fellow doctors see more stars added onto the side of their building. These stars represent those Rim Country residents who have died from COVID.
Hunt just wants those with a positive test to call to see if the monoclonal antibody treatment will help.
“It’s what gives me hope. Now we have something we can do after a positive test,” she said.