MDNews - Greater Boston

Cover Feature SouthcoaSt urgent care center at a glance loCaTioN: 208 Mill road, Fairhaven, Mass. hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., saturday and sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., no appointment necessary PhoNe: 508-973-2432 Common Reasons foR Visiting + Burns + skin conditions + injuries, such as strains, sprains and fractures + infections + animal bites + Lacerations + Casting + Contusions + Cold or flu symptoms + immunizations and vaccinations + dehydration + Pre-employment physicals Key seRViCes at southCoast uRgent CaRe + radiology services provided on site include X-ray and Ct scans + Laboratory services with instant results for most tests + retail pharmacy with extended hours to match those of Urgent Care Center 6 | Greater Boston MD News ■ mdNews.Com and bronchitis, as well as urinary infections, diarrhea and vomiting," Dr. Spatz explains. Southcoa st Urgent Ca re is also available for initial evaluation of work-related injuries and illness as well as for preemployment physicals. "We are well-equipped with onsite services, including radiology, urine and blood testing, splinting and casting, gynecologic evaluation, nebulizer treatments, and intravenous fluids and medications," Dr. Spatz says. "Vaccines and flu shots are available. We can do a lot here." The urgent care team works closely with primary care physicians and specialists to share information through electronic health records for appropriate follow-up care. This helps patients save time and money in ways such as avoiding unnecessary duplication of medical tests. In addition to efficiently and effectively providing a range of services, the new Urgent Care Center offers patients a more inviting setting than a typical emergency room. "It's a pretty active environment in the ER," says Dr. Spatz. "The Urgent Care Center is a beautiful new space providing a more welcoming environment for both patients and staff." While easing the burden on local emergency rooms is one key goal of Southcoast Urgent Care, the doctors, nurses and other caregivers also know their limits, the medical director says. "We are prepared to transfer people or recommend people to area hospitals if they need a higher level of care." southcoast's aCo mission The Urgent Care Center aligns with Southcoast's mission as an accountable care organization (ACO). It was named an ACO in January by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The aim of ACOs is for groups of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers to work cooperatively and efficiently to provide high-quality care to their Medicare patients. This coordination of care helps to ensure all patients, especially the chronically ill, receive the right care at the right time, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors. ACOs can earn a share of any savings achieved by the Medicare program. "This type of facility is a very important element of an ACO," Dr. Spatz says of the Southcoast Urgent Care Center. Southcoast is slated to open another urgent care center within the next year in Wareham, close to Tobey Hospital, one of three Southcoast hospitals. "We will eventually provide the same service to the Charlton Memorial Hospital area," Dr. Spatz says of future plans to site a third urgent care facility in or near Fall River. more Convenience for Patients Southcoast Urgent Care is part of the new Southcoast Center for Primary and Specialty Care, an ambulatory care center that provides caregivers an opportunity to share information, equipment and key services, such as radiology,

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