Southwest Memorial Hospital opened doors Monday on a new urgent care clinic in Cortez designed to offer a lower cost alternative to the emergency room.
Dr. April Randle, medical director for the new center, said after the closure of some family doctors offices, the center will fill a gap in medical services in the community.
Here in Cortez, we dont have a lot of primary care doctors, Randle said. Theres just a huge need, and we dont have a lot of people. We want to be there if they need it, when they need it.
The clinic is designed for patients who suffer from illness or injuries that are not emergencies but cant be ignored. The clinic also will accommodate patients from out of town, those who cant get an immediate appointment with their doctor or those who dont have a regular doctor.
Patients will be able to get their prescriptions updated at the clinic, although those prescriptions will have to be filled at a pharmacy, Randle said. No narcotics are stored on the premises.
Anyone with serious injuries, such as chest pains or major trauma, should go to the hospitals emergency room.
The clinic is located at 2095 N. Dolores Road and is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Patients over the age of 6 months are admitted.
Randle said the hours were chosen for individuals in need of care after work or after school.
We are expecting to expand our hours as soon as appropriate, she said. Were really excited about this. We think its a need for our community.
For more information, contact the center at 564-1037.
Reach Reid Wright at [email protected].
