MDNews - Greater Boston

Cover Feature Southcoast Urgent care Improved Patient Access and Wide Array of Services Are Highlights of New Urgent Care Center in Fairhaven By Christopher Cheney W of its Urgent Care Center i n Fa i rh av en t h i s summer, Southcoast Health System has boosted regional patient access to convenient, affordable care. Located in a brand-new, 6 0,0 0 0 - s q u a re -f o ot b u i ld i n g , Southcoast Urgent Care offers a range of services seven days per week with no appointment necessary. The Urgent Care Center's Medical Director, Pamela Spatz, MD, says the facility is filling a crucial medical niche in the South Coast region by not only providing healthcare services "when it's not quite an emergency." Dr. Spatz, who has 30 years of experience as an emergency room physician, joined Southcoast in 2012. The Boston University School of Medicine graduate says the Urgent Care Center is open to everyone, including people who do not have a primary care physician. "The center treats adults and children starting at 6 months of age," Dr. Spatz says. "We have a specialized team of Photos © ryan riChardson iTh Th e o Pe N i N g southcoast's first Urgent Care Center opened in Fairhaven in august and has already exceeded projected patient volume. healthcare providers," she adds. "All the doctors and nurses who work at the new center have extensive emergency or urgent care experience. There is always a board-certified physician on staff, which is something that distinguishes us from some walkin clinics, where a physician is not always present." Dr. Spatz also points out that urgent care centers often represent a more efficient care delivery system than a trip to the emergency room. "Urgent care visits are less expensive than ER visits," she explains, noting that her patients have lower co-pays. "There are many problems for which people end up in the emergency department that could be treated in the urgent care setting. It takes some of the strain off the emergency departments so they can focus on the most critical needs of the community. It is a great alternative for patients because it is more convenient and helps them avoid waiting in an emergency department for problems that have lower acuity." "We offer evaluation and treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries — everything from fractures, sprains, burns and lacerations to illnesses, such as ear and throat infections, cellulitis, asthma mdNews.Com ■ MD News Greater Boston |5

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