Mercy Quick Care Clinic Provides Quality and Convenience for Downtown Workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 10, 2006

Quick, convenient, quality health care has come to the employees and residents of downtown Des Moines with the opening of the Mercy Quick Care Clinic on May 15th in the downtown skywalk. Mercy’s Quick Care Clinic is staffed solely by nurse practitioners and is best suited for relatively straightforward problems like strep throat, ear infections and urinary tract infections that can be diagnosed through observation or simple lab tests. It is the first Clinic of its kind in the Des Moines metro area.

“Because visits typically take 10-15 minutes and no appointment is necessary, Mercy’s Quick Care Clinic is an ideal solution for professionals who cannot afford time away from the workplace,” said Dr. Kent Carr, CEO Clinic Administration. “We are excited to be the first to provide this great service to the employees and residents of downtown Des Moines.”

Mercy Quick Care Clinic files insurance for most major health insurance plans and patients pay their regular insurance co-pay at the time of service. The Clinic is located on the skywalk level of the Equitable building and will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Clinic only serves patients over the age of 18 months.

Dr. Carr emphasized that the Mercy Quick Care Clinic is not an emergency room or meant to replace the care from a primary care provider.

“We are committed to the health of our patients,” said Dr. Carr. “Patients with heart or breathing difficulties, potentially life-threatening problems or who demonstrate signs of a chronic condition are referred to their doctor or, if critical, the nearest emergency room.

Patients who cannot be treated will not be charged for the Quick Care Clinic visit.”

All care and diagnosis at the Clinic is provided by nurse practitioners who also have access to Mercy Clinic physicians when needed. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed additional courses and specialized training. Nurse practitioners can work with or without the supervision of a physician and can write prescriptions.

Mercy Quick Care Clinic Treatments: