January 20, 2010

Drexel University College of Medicine announced it has opened the first-of-its-kind medical facility in Philadelphia. The Drexel Convenient Care Center™, which opened this month at the Shops at Liberty Place, will provide fast, convenient, quality medical care to busy working professionals, residents and visitors in Center City

The Drexel Convenient Care Center will provide patient care through nurse practitioners with a physician medical director available daily. The Center is located in the highly visible Shops at Liberty Place at 16th Street between Market and Chestnut streets.  Patients can walk in from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for basic medical care without an appointment.

“Working professionals are discovering that it’s increasingly difficult to find the time for even routine healthcare, such as blood pressure screenings and flu shots,” said Howard Miller, MD, Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Drexel University College of Medicine. “Our convenient location offers many Center City workers high quality, cost-effective care within blocks of their office.”

The Drexel Convenient Care Center™ will treat anyone over 18 years of age with medical insurance or the ability to pay the $65 visit fee. Many insurance plans only require the patient to pay the insurance co-pay, but consumers should check with their insurance company prior to the visit.

The Center will specialize in treating basic medical conditions including allergic reactions, seasonal allergies, back pain, blood sugar testing, cholesterol screenings, cough/cold symptoms, diabetes screening, ear aches, flu, heartburn, insect bites, minor wounds/burns, pink eye, pregnancy testing, rashes, sinus infections, skin problems, sore throats, sprains/strains, sunburn, wart/skin tag removal and yeast infections. The medical director and nurse practitioners will refer patients to nearby Drexel specialists as needed for more serious illnesses and tests.

While this is the first medical center with a doctor on staff in Philadelphia, the centers are a growing trend across the country. In 2006, there were 62 retail medical facilities across the United States. Today, there are 1,250 centers in 32 states. Experts say demand is likely to keep growing as more and more patients realize they offer shorter wait times, a quicker visit and easier access. Tine Hansen-Turton, CEO, National Nursing Centers Consortium in Philadelphia, notes that retail clinics are growing in demand because of the shortage of primary care physicians.

“The Drexel Convenient Care Center™ is going to provide easy access to health care, which will reduce time away from work and could help prevent lengthy and costly absences with an early diagnosis,” said Ms. Hansen-Turton. “ More than 30 percent of the people who walk into convenient care centers nationally don’t have a primary care physician, and the clinic connects them to affordable health care.”