Be er Health and a better way of life.
"Healthcare is a basic human right, and it should be available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay."
- Bernie SandersAccessibleandaffordablehealthcareiscrucialfor
everyindividual,regardlessoftheirsocioeconomic statusorgeographiclocation.Healthcareisabasic humanright,anditisessentialforpeopletohaveaccessto qualityhealthcareserviceswhentheyneedthem.
Whenhealthcareisnotaccessibleoraffordable,individuals maydelayseekingmedicalattentionoravoiditaltogether Thiscanleadtomoreserioushealthproblemsandeven death.Inaddition,untreatedillnessescanalsohavea significantimpactonanindividual'squalityoflife, affectingtheirabilitytowork,studyandparticipateindaily activities.
Affordablehealthcarealsohelpstoreducethefinancial burdenonindividualsandfamilies,particularlythosewho arealreadystrugglingtomakeendsmeet.Whenhealthcare costsarehigh,itcanleadtomedicaldebt,bankruptcyand financialstressthatcanimpactmentalhealthandwellbeing.
Inshort,accessibleandaffordablehealthcareisessentialfor theoverallhealthandwell-beingofindividualsand communities.Itisafundamentalrightthatshouldbe availabletoall,regardlessofincome,race,gender,orany otherfactor Asasociety,wemustworktoensurethat everyonehasaccesstothequalityhealthcareservicesthat theyneedtolivehealthyandfulfillinglives.
InsightsCare'srecenteditionof10BestUrgentCare Centersin2022addressestheimportanceofaccessibility andconvenienceneededinUrgentcareCenters.This editionalsofocusesonthefeatures,facilitiesandimpactof urgentcarecentersonemergencydepartmentsandprimary careprovidersenhancingpatientcareinthehealthcare industry
We hope you have a good read!
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August, 2022
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Brant Community Healthcare System bchsys.org
Butler Health System butlerhealthsystem.org
10 Best Urgent Care Centers in 2022
Person name
Dr. David McNeil CEO
Brant Community Healthcare System is a leading community health care organization with more than 2,300 staff, physicians and volunteers.
Ken DeFurio CEO
Butler Health System offers patient’s access to nationally recognized quality care in cardiology, palliative care, and maternity as well a broad range of surgical, medical, emergency, and psychiatric services. In addition to its primary health services.
Houston Methodist houstonmethodist.org
Marc L. Boom CEO
Houston Methodist is comprised of a nationally recognized academic medical center, six community hospitals, a longterm acute care hospital, physician organization, research institute and a global health care organization.
iCare ER & Urgent Care icare-er.com
Shane Cole CEO
iCare ER & Urgent Care treats it all. From coughs and colds to broken bones or even chest pain and other medical emergencies.
Island Health islandhealth.ca
Kathy MacNeil CEO
Island Health provides a comprehensive range of progressive health services to the 794,000 residents of Vancouver Island and adjacent coastal communities.
Main Line Health mainlinehealth.org
John J. Lynch III CEO
Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs.
MaxemHealth Urgent Care maxemhealthurgentcare.com
Middletown Medical middletownmedical.com
Brianne Whitney CEO
Maxem Health Urgent Care is a walk-in service healthcare provider focused on quality and compassionate care.
Dr. Rajan Gulati President
Middletown Medical is a multi-specialty physicians’ group dedicated to providing patients with top quality, comprehensive care in a warm and caring environment.
Texas Emergency Care Center txercare.com
Rhonda Sandel CEO
Texas Emergency Care Center offers high-quality emergency care that's close to home. Open in the Houston-area since 2006, Texas Emergency Care Center is setting the standard for free-standing emergency rooms.
Urgent Team urgentteam.com
Tom Dent CEO
The Urgent Team Family of Urgent Care & Walk-in Centers understands when the need for care is urgent to you, the solution needs to be compassionate, comprehensive, and convenient – and have economic value.
MiddletownMedical willalwaysprioritizesaving thepatientoverallelse, includingmoney.
Dr.RajanGulati President MiddletownMedical
OneoftheoldestGreekmedicaldocumentsthatto dateisreveredbyphysiciansworldwide,the HippocraticOath,hasbeentimeandagain adoptedandrefashionedintodifferentversionstomakeit morecomprehensible.
Whenroughlytranslatedintoalayman’slanguage,this specifictextwouldmeanthataphysicianatalltimesshould bepreparedtostriveforbetteringthehealthofthesickby providingappropriatediagnosis,treatmentandcare.
Thesearesomeofthecorevaluesthatthemedicalindustry isexpectedtoabideby,andtheseprinciplesareexactly whatmakeupMiddletownMedical’sfoundation.Basedin theUnitedStates,MiddletownMedicalisamulti-specialty physician’sgroupdevotedtoprovidinghigh-quality, thoroughcaretoitspatientsinawarmandcaring atmosphere.
InaninterviewwithInsightsCare,RajanGulati,the PresidentofMiddletownMedical,elaboratesthe comprehensivemedicalservicesthatthecompanyprovides, whichmakesitaleadingfigureinthehealthcarepicture.
PleasebriefouraudienceaboutMiddletownMedical,its values,itsmission,andtheaspectsthatmakeitaleader inprovidingqualityurgentcareservices.
AtMiddletownMedical,P.C.,weprideourselveson walkingtheextramileforeverypatient.Providersinour UrgentCareDivisionaretrainedtocentertheircarearound thebeliefthatitisbettertolosemoneythanriskapatient's healthorlife.
WhenaMiddletownMedicalpatientneedsatestona Fridaynightwheninsurancecompaniesareclosed,our providerswillstillmoveforwardwiththeneedsofthe patient.MiddletownMedicalwillalwaysprioritizesaving thepatientoverallelse,includingmoney.
MiddletownMedicalalsooffersrespecttophysiciansand providers,helpingtoachievemaximumqualityofcare.We honorphysicianautonomyandrecognizethosewhothink outsideofthebox.
AtMiddletownMedical,neitherourpatientsnorproviders areconsiderednumbersonalist.Weplacenolimitationson ourphysicianswhenitcomestopatientcare-and encourageourproviderstodowhateverittakestocarefor ourpatients.Byvaluingexceptionalcareandintellectual
integrity,weareabletoensurethateachpatientreceivesthe healthcaretheydeserve.
Dr.Gulati,pleasebriefusaboutyourprofessional journeyinthehealthcareindustryandwhatinspired youtoventureintothisdomain.
Mypassionforcaringforpeopleontheirjourneyto wellnessbeganwithcomingfromafamilyofphysicians,as bothmyfatherandunclewerephysicians.Ispentmany yearsgrowingupadmiringthembothandlearningthe importanceofempathyandthevalueofimprovinghealth forthelocalcommunity
Iamsoproudtohavefollowedtheirfootstepsasthiscareer hasbecomemylife,andithasbeenarewardinglifeatthat.
Whatisyouropinionontheimpactofthecurrent pandemicontheglobalhealthcaresector,andwhat challengesdidMiddletownMedicalfaceduringthe pandemicandsubsequentlockdowns?
Igenuinelybelievethatacrisisissimplyadoorto opportunity.Thepandemichasservedasanopportunityfor themedicalfieldtoevolveandmigrate.Wehaveseenthis withtheadoptionoftelemedicineandthedemandforall practitionerstofindnew,uniquewaystoeffectivelyuse resourcestoservetheirpatientsbetter
However,thispandemicundoubtedlyalsohadsome challengingimplications.Onesuchnegativeimpactwould bethegovernmentattemptingtopracticemedicineand physiciansbeingattackedornolongerbeingviewedas
Byvaluingexceptional careandintellectual integrity,weareableto ensurethateachpatient receivesthehealthcare theydeserve.
Dr.GulatibeganhisprivateFamily Practicein1984.Throughhisvisionof creatingalargeImmediateCare Centerforthecommunity,hisprivate practicequicklyexpandedto MiddletownMedical,P.C.
AgraduateoftheInstitutionof MedicalScienceinVaranasi,India,he servedhisresidenciesinPsychiatry, InternalMedicine,andEmergency MedicineatTheUniversityofMedicine andDentistryofNewJersey.Dr.Gulati proudlyservedforadecadeas DirectorofHortonMemorial Hospital'sEmergencyDepartmentand isaFellowoftheAmericanBoardof EmergencyPhysicians.
Inadditiontohisexpertisein EmergencyMedicine,Dr.Gulatitakes anactiveroleingeriatricmedicineand painmanagement.Inhisfreetime,he enjoysplayingtennisandalso practicestheartofmeditation.
BoardCertified:EmergencyMedicine
AttendingPhysician:GarnetHealth MedicalCenter
credibleortrustworthy.Ibelieveithasledtoadeclinein thecarephysicianscanprovideandanoveralldeclinein patienthealth.
Withconstantdevelopmentinmedicaltechnologies,in youropinion,whatcouldbethefutureofurgentcare services?
Whenitcomestothefuture,IbelieveMiddletownMedical andallUrgentCareproviderscancontinuetoevolveto bettersupporttheEmergencyRoomindustry.Byhelpingto alleviatethevolumeofnon-life-threateningillnessesand
AtMiddletownMedical, neitherourpatientsnor providersareconsidered numbersonalist.
injuries,UrgentCarescanhelpwithE.R.'sburdenof staffingcapacityconcernsandhelptocreateabetter healthcareexperienceallaround.Ibelieveintime,Urgent Careswillscaletohelpfillahealthcaregapthatcurrently existsincare.
Asanestablishedleader,whatwouldbeyouradviceto thebuddinghealthcareprofessionalsaspiringtoventure intothehealthcareniche?
Toallbuddinghealthcareprofessionals:pleaseknowthat youaremakingafantasticdecision.Thiscareerisacalling andservesasawonderfulprofession.Toworkasa physicianisintellectuallychallenging,financially rewardingandspirituallyenriching.Youwillfindsuccess andknowthatyouareachievingyourfinancialgoals honestly-helpingpeople.Withyourheartinit,Ican promiseyouwillfeelmorefulfilledwithlifethanyouever have.Thehealthcareindustryexpandsnotonlyyourmind butalsoyoursoul.
HowdoyouenvisionscalingMiddletownMedical's operationsandofferingsinthefuture?
MiddletownMedical,P.C.hasbeenservinggenerationsof familiessince1984,andourstate-of-the-artmedicalfacility hasgrownovertheyearstoincludeamultitudeofmedical specialtiesandafullspectrumofmedicalservices,allin oneplace.
Whenitcomestothefuture,itismygoaltocontinueto expandMiddletownMedicalUrgentCaresintoourlocal communities,aswellasexpandourclinicsandservicesto meetpatientneeds.AtMiddletownMedical,wehave alreadybeguntofocusonthesegoals.
ThishasincludedcreatingaPost-COVIDTreatmentCenter tocontinuetocareforpatientsbeyondtheirpositiveUrgent Caretestandensurethatwesupportpatientsthroughtheir entirehealthcarejourney
Iamalsoasteadfastbelieverinthefactthatimagingsaves lives.OurUrgentCarescalingwillincludehavingan ultrasoundandC.T.scanineveryUrgentCare,aswellas investinginmobileimagingequipment(suchasultrasound) tobetterserveourUrgentCarepatients.
Whenitcomestothe future,IbelieveMiddletown MedicalandallUrgentCare providerscancontinueto evolvetobettersupportthe EmergencyRoomindustry.
CRITICAL!Atermthatmostpeoplegetterrified
uponhearing,especiallywhenitcomestoa hospitalsetting.Thisreferenceindicatesthat medicalemergencyisnotonlyscarybutterrifyingas millionsofpeoplelosetheirliveseveryyearbecauseof criticalillnesses.Whenitcomestosuchacutepatients,itis vitalthattheircareneedstobeprioritizedandwellcoordinatedcoveredthroughtimelyidentificationandbasic life-savingtreatments.
Toimprovethecareofsuchpatients,iCareEmergency RoomandUrgentCareisworkingefficientlywithafocus onERandUrgentcarecentersthattreatavarietyof illnesses.Havingboard-certifiedphysicians,thefacilityis offeringadultandpediatricemergencycare,andthe organizationisfullyequippedwithanemergencyand urgentcaredepartment.
Leadingtheteamofsuchboard-certifiedphysiciansis ShaneCole,CEO,andMedicalDoctor With12yearsof clinicalexperienceinprominentmetropolitanhospital emergencyrooms,heishelpingpatientstransitionfromthe worstmomentsbacktoenjoyingahealthylife.
Weat Insights Care,whilesearchingforthe 10 Best Urgent Care Centers in 2022,crossedpathswithShane.Inorderto learnmoreabouthow iCare Emergency Room and Urgent Care ismakingadifferencethroughitsleading-edge approach,kindlydelveintoShane'sinsightfulinterview
PleasebriefouraudienceaboutiCareEmergencyRoom andUrgentCare,itsvalues,mission,andtheaspects thatmakeitaleaderinprovidingqualityurgentcare services.
Wearephysicianownedandledfacility Weprovidea betterwaytocare-bothforourpatientsandforthestaff theycareforthem.Wefirmlybelievethathappyhealthcare workerswhofeelsupportedleadtohealthierandhappier patients.
Whataretheservicesofferedbyyourorganizationthat giveitaleadingedgeoverthecompetition?
WeareanERandUrgentCarehybrid.WearearealER. iCareisstaffedbyphysiciansthatareboard-certified, specificallyinEmergencyMedicine.AlliCarenursesare emergencyroomtrained.Ourstate-of-the-artfacility complementstheabilitiesofourhighly-trainedstaff.Onthe
urgentcareside,whereweseethevastmajorityofour patients,weofferaffordablein-networkcarejustlikeany othermajorurgentcarebrand.
Pleasebriefusaboutyourself,Shane,yourprofessional journeyinthehealthcareindustry,andyour contributiontotheorganization'ssuccess.
Iamanemergencymedicinephysicianandentrepreneur workingtoimplementnovelimprovementstoournation's healthcaredeliverysystem.Myexpertiseincludeshospital andfreestandingER-basedemergencymedicalcareandthe developmentandimplementationofcutting-edgebusiness managementtools.Ienjoygeneratingnewideasand devisingfeasiblesolutionstobroadlyrelevantproblems.
Mycolleagueswoulddescribemeasadriven,resourceful individualwhomaintainsapositive,proactiveattitude whenfacedwithadversity.Currently,I'mseeking opportunitiesthatwillallowmetodevelopandpromote increasedaccesstoemergencycareacrossvarying socioeconomicdemographicstobenefithumanhealth. Specificfieldsofinterestincludetelemedicine,freestanding ERandUrgentCaremanagement,andgeneralaviation.
Whatisyouropinionontheimpactofthecurrent pandemicontheglobalhealthcaresector,andwhat challengesdidyoufaceduringthepandemicand subsequentlockdowns?
Thelockdownswereasadbutverynecessarypartofour pandemicresponse.Thestressonthehealthcaresystemwas immense.Haditnotbeenbluntedbythelockdowns,it wouldhavecrushedus.Inaddition,theyboughtustimeto developlife-savingvaccines.
Thepandemicstressedoursystemtothebreakingpointand beyond.Forourfirmspecifically,ourvolumeincreased10foldinamatterofweeks.Wescrambledtoscaleupand hire.Duetoourstrongreputationinthecommunity,our elitemanagementteamwasabletoattractqualified personnelwhoheldourvaluesandfitourmission.
Inyouropinion,whatcouldbethefutureofurgentcare serviceswithconstantdevelopmentinmedical technologies?
Telemedicinehas,outofnecessity,enjoyedheavyadoption sincetheonsetofthepandemic.Itprovidesmarked
improvementstoconvenienceandpatientaccess.Wedo everythingelseonourphones;whynotseeourdoctors, right?Asaphysician,Ifeelthatthismodalityhasmajor flaws,however
Thereisnosubstituteforbeinginthesameroomasthe patientusingsight,sound,touchandsmell.Cellphonesand computervideodonotgivethedetailsneededtodiagnose manyrashesorexamineasorethroatoranear.Thereisno abilitytodoanx-rayorcheckaurinetest.Theysaythatfor someonewithahammer,everythinglookslikeanail. Medicineisnuanced.Perhapsacombinationofvirtual realityandhomekitsthatcanallowforaremotephysical examwillexistinthefuture.Thatisseveralyearsoffinthe futurehowever
Asanestablishedleader,whatwouldbeyouradviceto thebuddinghealthcareprofessionalsaspiringtoventure intothehealthcareindustry?
First,Chooseagreatresidencyprogram.Preferablyonethat servesadenseinnercitypopulationwithahighburdenof disease.Second,Gointobusinessforyourself.Don't sacrificeowningyourownpracticeinfavorofmakinga quickbuckrightoutofresidency.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization's operationsandofferingsinthefuture?
Wehopetodothiswithamixofprivateequityand physicianinvestment.
Pleasesharetheawardsandrecognitionsthatyour organizationhasreceivedsofarsinceitsinception.
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It'sSaturdayandthefluyou'vebeennursingforthepast
fewdaysseemstobegettingworse.Youvomitedonce andhaveafever.Shouldyougotothehospital's emergencydepartmentortheemergencyroom?
Ifyou'veeverwonderedwhethertogototheEDortheER, you'renotalone.Becausedoctors,familymembers,friends andpatientsoftenaskusiftheirsymptomsrequireavisitto theER,atriptotheER,acalltotheirprimarycare physician,orsimplyhometreatment.
Ifyouhavemildsymptomslikeaches,alightcough,etc. thatcouldbecausedbytheflu,COVID-19,RSV,or hundredsofotherviruses,consider"doingwhatmomsaid." –rest,drinkplentyoffluids,takeover-the-counter medications,suchasTylenol,ifneeded,andmonitoryour symptoms.
Ifsymptomsdonotimproveovertimeorgetworse,calling aprimarycarephysicianmayhelp.Manyprimarycare doctorsnowoffervirtualvisitsandcanassesspatientsfairly quicklybyphoneorvideocall.However,ifyoursymptoms aremoresevereandyoucannotseeadoctor,consideryour othertreatmentoptions.
Let'shaveapeekintotheroleofurgentcareinunloading themedicalworkflowofER.
Ifyouaresystemicallyill,youshouldcall911orcome directlytotheemergencyroom.Thisiswhenthedisease affectsthewholebodyandyouhaveseverepainorsudden severesymptoms,afeverthatwon'tgoaway,or"nothing works,"likenotbeingabletomoveyourarmsorlegsor breathenormally
Althoughyouorthevictimmayhaveachoiceofhospital, inanemergencyitmaybeappropriatetogotothenearest emergencycenterimmediately.Emergencydepartmentsare thebestplacefortrueemergenciesbecausetheyare connectedtohospitalswithseamlessaccessandadvanced technology
Unlesstheconditionislife-threatening,goingtothe emergencyroomisusuallyabetteruseofthepatient'stime andresourcestotreatinjuries,fevers,infections,andother ailments.Urgentcareclinicsoftenhavemuchshorterwait timesthanurgentcareclinicsandcostlessthantraditional hospitalemergencyroomvisits.
Instead,manyurgentcarecentersofferconvenientperks likewalk-insandon-siteX-rays.Itsclinicsarestaffedby experienceddoctorswhotreatbothadultsandchildrenand areavailable7daysaweek.Ifnecessary,emergencynurses canalsoconnectyoutoahigherlevelofcare.
Ÿ SpeedofService:Whenyougototheemergencyroom, youprobablywon'tbewaitingforhourslikeyouhave
toinahospitalwaitingarea.TherealpurposeofEMSis tohelppeopleinlife-threateningemergencies,suchas cardiacarrest.Suchanemergencytakesmuchlonger thanasprainedfinger,respiratoryinfection,orskin abrasion.IfyouskiptheEDandgototheERinstead, you'lllikelyfindmorestafftohelpyouintime.
Ÿ LowerCost:Ifyou'veeverbeentoahospital emergencyroom,youknowhowexpensivesuchavisit canbe.Urgentcareclinicsareusuallymuchcheaper thanurgentcareclinics.Ifyouhaveaninjuryorillness thatisnotlife-threatening,youcansavehundredsor thousandsofdollarsbygoingtotheemergencyroom withyourproblem.
Ÿ GreaterConvenience:Asmalltownmayonlyhave twohospitals,buttheremaybe10or20emergency rooms.Thismeansyouprobablywon'thavetotravelto ahospitaltogetemergencycare.Thiscansaveyoutime andgas,andprovidesanoverallfastertreatment. Anotheramenityofferedinmanyurgentcarecentersis primarycare.Thismeansthatafteryouhavereceived urgentcare,youcanscheduleafollow-upappointment withyourprimarycarephysician.
Visitthenearestemergencyclinicforanyconditionthat couldbedebilitatingorlife-threatening.Urgentcareclinics areagreatsolutionifyouneedmedicalattentionfora problemthatisn'tlife-threatening,butyoucan'twaittosee yourregulardoctor.
Stillnotsurewhichoptionisbestforyou?Youcanalways callyourdoctor'sofficeorlocalemergencyroomforadvice basedonyourcurrentsymptoms.
However,expertsagreethatitisalwaysbettertobesafe thansorry.So,ifyouareatallconcernedabouttheseverity ofyoursymptomsortherisktheyposetoyourhealth,goto thenearestemergencyroomforanevaluation.
-SaloniAgrawal
Formanyelderlypeople,thefeelingoflonelinessis partoftheireverydaylife.Theyoftenareforcedto liveontheirown,withtheirspousesalready deceasedandrelativesbeinghundredsofkilometresaway
TheCOVID-19pandemichasmadethisstateofmindeven worseinGermanyandelsewhere,asmanysurveysreveal. Ontheotherhand,therearepossibilitiestocounteractold ageloneliness.Oneofthemiscompanionshipcareoffering theelderlyhelpandentertainmentineverydaylifeand ensuringtheycanagewithgraceathome.
Afewfactsfirst:Lonelinessisnotonlyanunpleasantand oftendepressingfeeling.Itcanhaveaseriousimpactonthe stateofhealthandtriggerillnesses.Forexample,theriskof developingseniledementiaistwiceashighforlonely peopleasforthoselivingwithafamilyorpartner.
Theriskofsufferingastrokealsoincreasesbyaround32% whenlivinginsolitude.Andtheriskofdevelopingaheart diseaseisabout29%higherinpeoplelivingalone.This showshowimportantitistofightoldagelonelinessand offermeansofprevention.
Accordingtoarepresentativestudycarriedoutin2019, 47%oftheGermansfeltlonely.Seniorsareparticularly
affectedaslonelinessincreaseswithage,especiallywhen onehastofaceeverydaylifealone.WeatCareshipalso carriedoutasurveyin2019onthetopicoflonelinessand compareditsresultswithdatacollectedinspring2021in themidstoftheCovidpandemic.Theresultsareworrying astheisolationofolderpeoplehasincreasedsignificantly duetoCovid.
In2019,41%ofthosesurveyedfeltlonely.Inthe2021 survey,71%saidthattheyhavelessornosocialcontactsat allandfeelisolatedandlonelybecauseofthepandemic. Thisbecameparticularlyclearwhenweaskedhowthey celebratedChristmas.
Whilein2019,only10%ofseniorsstatedthattheyhad spentChristmasontheirown,42%ofthosesurveyed celebratedtheholidayalonein2020.Additionally,more thantwo-thirdsofthesurveyparticipantssaidtheysufferor arestillsufferingsociallyfromtheCovidrestrictions.
Itisalsofrighteningtolookatwhatlonelinessmeansinold age:64%ofthesurveyparticipantsstatedthattheyleave theirhome,lessoftenthanonceaday.12%donotleavethe houseorapartmentatall.Almosthalfoftherespondents spendmorethantwohourswatchingtelevisioneveryday, 23%evenfourhoursormore.
Brian Plackis Cheng studied engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, America's oldest technological research university. At MCI, Brian pioneered cloud services including the first widespread internet email adoption in the early 1990s. As the General Manager Americas and Europe, he led Software.com (email software company) through IPO and $6 8B sale deploying email to 100s of million people
As an entrepreneur, Brian has successfully scaled B2B and B2C tech companies from $5M to $100M+ through IPOs and M&A. In 2011, Brian launched the world’s first video data api to provide high quality video insights in captions using a hybrid platform of software and 25k+ freelancers to correct machine data.
As the CEO and Managing Director of Careship, Brian has led rapid growth from 2 to 30 cities across Germany in 2020 and 2021. Careship enables seniors to live independently at home. The company has developed a matchmaking platform and caregiver CRM that enables vetted, socially aligned caregivers to deliver essential high quality home care to 1,000s of customers
Thesenumbersareactuallyhigheramongstseniorsliving alone:In2019,athirdofthemwatchedatleastfourhours ofTVperday.Andin2021,duringtheCovidpandemic, 58%didso.Seniorsalsooftenfeellonelybecausetheir relativeslivetoofarawayorhavelimitedtimetotakecare oftheirlovedones.Ontop,sincetheyear2020,Covidhas beenthemainreasontoavoidmeetingfriendsorrelatives, 53%ofthesurveyparticipantssay
Mostofthesurveyrespondentsyearnforadifferent everydaylife.Forexample,89%wouldliketowatchless TV.74%wanttospendmoretimeoutdoors.Andthisis exactlywherecompanionshipcarecomesintosupport elderlyanddisabledpeople—itisonesignificantwayoutof loneliness.
Thecaregiversfound,vettedandtrainedbycompanieslike Careshipregularlyvisitelderlypeopleinneedofcare.In manycases,caregiversbecomebuddiesorevenfriends withwhomtheseniorshavemeaningfulconversationsas wellasenjoyentertainmentandinteractionbyplaying games,readingtogether,ordoinglightexercises.
Ithelpsoldpeoplesomuch—physicallyandmentally—to havesomeonetospendtimewith,toexchangeideas,togo outforawalkorevenonalittletrip.Thearisingcategory ofcompanionshipcareisessentialforallthesesoftfactors inlifethatseniorsmisssomuch,andthereforesovaluable.
Companionshipcarecompaniesdonotseethemselvesas nursingservicesbutasawonderfuladditiontomedically prescribedcareandthefamilies,bothbeingalready stretchedthinbyCovid.
Ideally,thecaregiveralsolendsahandinthehouseholdand supportspeoplewitheverydaytasksorwhenfacing challenges.Runningerrands,shoppingforgroceries, accompanyingpeopletothedoctoraretypicaltasksthe caregiversfulfill.
Theengagementofacompanionshipcaregiverisoneway ofdealingwithlonelinessandregularlybringingsome energyandvarietyintotheeverydaylifeofolderpeopleor
peopleinneedofcare.Noteveryonelikesgroupactivities whichseniorcitizensareusuallyofferedbyclubsorsocial institutions.Manyseniorsareimmobileandcannotleave theirhomeswithoutgreatdifficulty.Manyseniorswishfor individualcare—adaptedtotheirneeds,handicapsand dailyroutine.
Careshiphasseenarisingdemandforcompanionship caregiversthroughoutthepandemic,especiallyinpostlockdownperiods:ComparingApril’s2020and2021asan example,servicerequestshadincreasedby130%,and customerbasemorethandoubled.AftereachCovid lockdowninGermany,therewasanaccelerationinthe demandforvettedrelationship-basedcareasmoreseniors wanttoliveindependentlyathomeandbesupportedby peopletheycantrust.
Safetyisalwaysfirstwhenitcomestoseniorcare.Looking atthehighnumberofCovidinfectionsatelderlycare facilitiesacrossGermany—namely21%ofCovidcasesin peoplebeing65plusandtwiceasmanydeathsinthe60to 79agegroup,familiesarenowmorecomfortable discussinghomecareneeds,especiallythosebeyond medicaloutpatientcare.
Ascompanionshipcaregiversaremainlystudents,jobreturneesandyoungpensionerswhofollowcaregivingasa sidejob,theyusuallytakecareoftwotothreeseniorsper weekandthushaveamuchlowercontactfrequency comparedtoambulantcareserviceswhereemployeesserve morethantenpeopleperdayalone.Consequently, companionshipcarebecameamuchsaferandrelationshiporientedwayofservingtheelderlyandotherpeopleinneed ofcare.
Accordingtoexperts,theimportanceofcompanionship carewillincreasewithinthecomingdecades,andthe marketwillexpandimmenselyasby2060,155million Europeans—30%ofthetotalpopulation—willbeaged65 orolder.Relationship-basedhomecarecanhelpEuropean countriesdeliveronthepromiseofreliable,high-quality carefortheelderlyasmostpeopleaffectedpreferagingin graceintheirbelovedhomes,especiallyifpandemicswill staypresent.
rgentcareisintendedtoprovidemedicalcarefor Unon-life-threateningillnessesorinjuries.Thistype ofmedicalcaremodelhasaconvenientstructurein whichthepatiententersthefacility,receivesthenecessary medicalcareandimmediatelyreturnstohislifeafter leavingthefacility
Emergencyoffersabetter,moreaccessibleandmore convenientoptionforthosewhoneedurgentmedicalcare. However,whentheyarefinished,manymorespaceswill openupinemergencyrooms,whicharenotoriouslybusy andfullallthetime.
It'susuallyhardtoknowifyoushouldgototheERorthe ER.Whatifyouhaveahugecutonyourfinger?Whatifit bleedsprofusely?Whatifyouhavebreathingproblems?It's hardtobesureandintheheatofthemoment,you'llmost
likelyendupgoingtotheERandwaitinghoursbeforeyou cangetin.
To make things easier, here's a great question to help you decide if you should go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room:
Iftheanswerisyes,youneedtogototheemergencyroom. Casessuchasblunt-forceheadtrauma,heartattackandstab woundsarelife-threateningandrequireimmediatemedical attention.TheEmergencyDepartmenthasallthetrained personnel,equipmentandfacilitiestodealwithsuchcases.
However,unlessyouarefatallyinjuredorinadangerous situation,yourbestbetistogotoanemergencyroom. Emergencyfacilitiesaredesignedtowithstandemergency conditions,butnotsosevereastothreatenyourlifeatthat moment,hencethetermemergency
Emergencyfacilitiesarecharacterizedbysituationsthatare notconsideredemergenciesbutstillrequiremedicalcare andattentionwithin2hours.Someoftheseconditions include:
Ÿ Difficultytobreathe
Ÿ Brokenbones
Ÿ Backproblems
Ÿ Accidentsandfalls
Ÿ Vomiting,diarrhea,ordehydration
Aspecializedemergencyroomfacilityisdesignedtotreat generalhealthconditionsandurgentmedicalsituations. Suchamodelmakesthemveryusefulforthosewhoneed immediatehelpbutmaynotbeabletogototheemergency roomandwaitforhours.Theseoptionsarealsogreatifyou needtogetcheckedoutifgoingtothenearesthospital meanstravelingmilesortravelingtothenexttown.
Ÿ Moreaccessiblethanadoctor'soffice:Unlikedoctors whoareonlyavailableduringcertainhours,anurgent careclinichasamoreflexibleschedule.Thesefacilities
haveextendedhours,areopenonweekendsandhave someurgentcareservicesavailableduringtheholidays!
Ÿ MoreaffordablethanEmergencyRooms:Seeking urgentcareinnon-emergencysituationsismuchbetter thanspendingasurprisingamountatanemergency departmentorevenaprimarycarephysician.Italso helpsthaturgentcareclinicsaredesignedtotreat commonmedicalconditions,soyoudon'thavetopay forspecialserviceslikeanambulance.
Ÿ MuchfasterthanEmergencyRooms:Waitingtimes inemergencyclinicsaresignificantlyshorterthanin emergencyclinics.Theyusuallyofferafasterservice thananambulanceandyoudon'thavetowaithoursfor atraineddoctortohelpyou.Doctorsareusuallydouble (oreventriple)booked,soit'susuallymuchbettertogo totheERthantheERfornon-life-threateningillnesses.
Contrarytopopularbelief,urgentcareclinicscanalsotreat medicalproblemsthataremorecomplexthangeneral healthproblems,suchasasthmaorbrokenbones.First, emergencyandprimarycareprovidemanagementand coordinationofcareforpeoplewithchronicconditions. Plus,theyhavespecialistswhocantreatcomplexhealth issues,soyoudon'thavetovisitmultipledoctorstoget consistentservice.
Thegrowthofhealthcareclinicshascausedovercrowding inhospitalemergencyrooms.Moreandmorepatientswith life-threateningillnessesarereceivingappropriatemedical careandpatientswhoarenotlife-threateningarereceiving theaffordablecaretheyneed.
Providingefficient,convenientandaffordablehealthcareto thecommunitywasabigplusforthegovernment. Additionalmeasureswereimplementedtoincrease ambulanceservicesinthecommunitytoreducedependence onlocalambulances.Beforevisitingyourlocalemergency room,itisimportanttoresearchtheservices,payment options,hoursofoperationandtypeofstaffavailable online.
-SaloniAgrawalDuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,healthcarehas becomethetopconcernforeverycountry.Frontlinehealthworkershavebecomeheroestofight thevirusanditseffects,aswellasotherhealthissues.To providehealthcareonanurgentbasis,theseworkersserve 24/7,365daysayearwithoutanyhalt.
BasedinNashville,TN,UrgentTeamFamilyofUrgent CareandWalk-InCenters(UTm)recognizesthehealth issuesthatexistincommunities.Withsevenbrandsacross fivestatesintheSoutheast,UTmprovidesimmediate familyandurgentcarewithexceptionalserviceatvery affordableprices.
Aleaderwithmorethan35yearsofhealthcareexperience, TomDentisthecompany'sChairmanandCEO Vast experienceandafuturisticvisionmakeDentaforemost healthcareprofessional.
EnjoythefollowinginterviewtolearnmoreaboutUrgent Team'sservices,theprofessionaljourneyofTomDent.
Giveabriefabouttheorganization,itsvalues,mission andtheaspectsthatmakeitaleaderinproviding qualityurgentcareservices.
Thecompany,owingtoitsexperiencedandtalented leaders,isavisionandvalues-drivenon-demandhealthcare companythatwillsoonhave80+urgentandfamilycare centersthatfallundersevenbrandsinfivestates.
Ÿ Ascension Saint Thomas Urgent Care (Middle Tennessee)
Ÿ Baptist Health Urgent Care (Arkansas)
Ÿ Washington Regional Urgent Care (Arkansas)
Ÿ Huntsville Hospital Urgent Care (Alabama)
Ÿ Urgent Team Walk-in Urgent Care (Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia Arkansas)
Ÿ Sherwood Urgent Care (Arkansas)
Ÿ Physicians Care (Southern Tennessee)
Thecompany'smission,visionandvaluedbehaviorsserve tounifytheteamandserveasaguidetoalldecisions, includinghowwenurturetheculture,allocateresources, trainteammembersandguideourinternalandexternal relationshipsanddecisions.
Ourleader’sclarityprovidesinspirationandenergytotheir pursuitofourvision: To be identified as America's foremost urgent and family care company
Recognizingthatvaluesareoftenhardwiredduringthe formativeyears,itisnotrealistictoamendteammembers' individuallyheldvalues.
Rather,wetrainandexpectourteammemberstoadoptand demonstratecertainbehaviorsthatexpressourvalued behaviorstoourpatientsandteammembers.Thisemphasis ispragmaticandimportantlyenablesthemtounderstand howtobesuccessfulwithinUrgentTeam,providesthem withacommonlexiconfordiscussion,andempowers individualsastheysharecommonandclearpriorities.
Integrity–Actinginanhonestandethicalway.
Service–Providingpatientswitha"value"experience. Relationships–Treatingallindividualswithdignityand respect.
Results–Insistingonoptimalperformance.
Measurement–Analyzingoutcomesineverythingwedo. Communication–Sharinginformationproactively.
Excellence–Pursuingcontinualimprovementinwhowe areandwhatwedo.
Identifiedasan"On-Demand"healthcareenterprise,these centersplayavitalroleincommunitiesbyprovidingcloseto-homeandworkhealthcareaccesstoprimarycare,urgent care,wellnesscareandoccupationalhealth,sevendaysa weekinunderservedmarkets.
Walk-inpatientsarewelcome,andourcentersoffer24/7 onlinescheduling,aswellastelemedicinevisits.The companyhasalsobeenentrustedwithdirectcontracting withmunicipalitiesandemployers.
UTmferventlypromotesacultureofintegrity,compliance andperformance,withacommitmenttoanexceptional customerexperience.Withademonstratedtrackrecordof
Our mission is to serve our communities with the highest quality, a ordable and convenient urgent and family care, delivered by our exceptional and compassionate teams.Tom Dent The Chairman and CEO Urgent Team Family of Urgent Care & Walk-in Centers
operationalexcellence,financialperformance,andthe abilitytoimplementoperationalstrategies,UTm's accomplishedmanagementteamsharesamissiontoserve ourcommunitieswiththehighestquality,affordableand convenientcaredeliveredbycompassionateteams.Allof theseasonedexecutiveteamareexperiencedinmulti-state expansion,acquisitionsanddenovos.
Explaintheservicesofferedbytheorganizationthat givesitaleadingedgefromthecompetition.
Urgentcaresits,uniquely,attheintersectionofhealthcare, andtheretailsector Accordingly,thecustomerexperience isvital,andthecompanystrivestodeliveranexceptional experiencetoeverycustomer/patientinteraction.
Thesepatientinteractionsarevigorouslymonitored, measuredandcenterteammembersarerecognizedand rewardedfordeliveringaconsistentcustomerexperience. Healthcareconsumersoftenbelievequalityhealthcareis
synonymouswiththelocal establishedhealthsystem operatinginthe communityfordecades.
Therefore,UTm frequentlypartnerswith thelocally-recognized, historichealthsystem brandproviding"halo effect"forthenewcenters. Likewise,UTmis committedtothe stakeholderbenefitsfrom becomingclinicallyintegrated withtheseleadinghealthcare systems.
Tellusaboutyourprofessional journeyinthehealthcareindustry andcontributiontowardsthe organization'ssuccess.
Ihavemorethan35yearsofexecutive leadershipexperiencebothintheU.S.andUK.
In2012,IjoinedUTmasitwasforming,andIcontinueto serveasChairmanofRe:CognitionHealthLtd,London, England,agloballeaderinclinicaldrugtrials,andthe diagnosis,treatmentandcaremanagementofindividualsof allformsofcognitiveimpairment.
In2013,IwasawardedtheLandBuissonUKHealthcare EntrepreneuroftheYear.Ialsoco-foundedPhyCorInc. (NASDQ-PHYC,1987-2002),therecognizedpioneerofthe PhysicianPracticeandIPAManagementindustry
Ihaveledinmanyotherorganizationssuchas–MedTel IntlasCEO,aninternationaldiagnosticimagingand ambulatorysurgerycompany;wasoneofthefounding directors(1993)ofhealthcareRealtyTrustInc.(NYSEHR);andadirectorofprivateequity-backeddrugtrial MSO.
Myexperienceincludesworkingformultiplepublicand privatecompaniesmanaginggroupsofhospitals, performingM&Aandworkinginmanagedcareoperations.
IamcurrentlyaLeadDirectorforHealthStream(NASDQHSTM)whereIcontinuetoserveontheboardformore
than20years.MyeducationincludesaBachelor’sof ScienceDegreefromMississippiStateUniversityanda Master’sDegreefromGeorgeWashingtonUniversity
Shareyouropinionontheimpactofthecurrent pandemicontheglobalhealthcaresector,andthe challengesyoufacedduringthepandemicand subsequentlockdowns.
Thepandemicusheredinsignificantlaborchallenges manifestedbystrugglestokeepurgentcarecentersopen andlikewisescalestaffingtomeetincreasingcustomer demand.Teammembersstruggledwiththeirownillnesses, familymembers'illness,exhaustionfromtheworkload,and contendingwiththepersonalunhappinessofcustomers whoarefrustratedandfearful.
Equallyaschallengingwasmaintaininganadequate inventoryofpersonalprotectiveequipmentandCOVID testingkits.Nottobeunderestimatedisthecontinual communicationandtrainingchallengestocenterteam memberswiththeever-changingprotocolsandguidelines fromtheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (CDC).
Asanestablishedleader,giveadvicetobudding healthcareprofessionalsaspiringtoventureintothe healthcareindustry.
Ibelievesucceedinginretailandconsumer-based healthcarenecessitatesbeinganchoredwithgenuine compassionanddesiretodeliveranexceptionalcustomer experienctoeverypatient.
Customerswantconnectivityineverythingtheydo;urgent carebeingnoexception.Offeringpatientstheopportunity togoonlineandreserveavisittime,similartoarestaurant reservation,isimportant.
UTmcustomers,inadditiontojustwalkingin,canschedule aspecifictimeratherthanbeinareceptionroom.Further, patientshaveaccesstoa'portal'wheretheycanlogintoand viewtheirlabresultsandotherimportanthealth informationwithouthavingtoconnectonthetelephone.
Customersalsoreceiveelectronicsurveystoprovide feedbacktoourteamsontheirexperienceandoftenshare onlinereviewsandstarratingsforpotentialcustomers.
Wherewehavejointventureswithlocalhealthsystems, providershavetheabilitytoreviewcarehistoryviaaccess tosharedmedicalrecordsofcustomers,ensuringmore integratedandcomprehensivecare.Also,assistingpatients withthereferralprocessfortheircarepathwayisessential toqualitypatientcare.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization's operationsandofferinginthefuture?
Weaimtocomplete2022with80centers.WebelieveUTm isaplatformcompanywiththetalent,systems,capital, processes,andinfrastructuretobeoneofthelargesturgent carecompaniesinAmerica.Butregardlessofsize,weare andwillcontinuetobearecognizedleaderinquality, services,carepathwaysandstrategy.
Thefutureofhealthcarewillremainfocusedonsimplicity forthepatient.Toaccomplishthis,integratingwithother providers,mostimportantlyhealthsystems,isessential. Thisinvolvesmakingthetraverseacrosshealthcare serviceseasier,moreintegrated,efficientandcosteffective.Peoplewantvalueintheirhealthcareinthesame wayasotherdailypurchasingdecisions.
Continuingjointventureswithleadinghealthcaresystems isimportanttothisobjective.Thecompanyhasthe infrastructuretocontinuetoaddcirca15centerseachyear Wearepursuingmoredirectcontractingwithmunicipalities andself-insuredemployerswhodesireincreased conveniencefortheiremployeesandbettercontrolof healthcarecosts.
Sharetheawardsandrecognitionsyourorganization hasreceivedsofarsinceitsinception.
Thecompanyhasnotpursued,norisfocused,oncorporate recognitionsorawards.Whatisimportanttothecompany isacknowledgementfromeachofourlocalcommunities andmostimportantly,ourcustomers,theirsatisfactionwith ourcare.
Tothatend,manyofourcenters,yearafteryear,receive localcommendationandrecognitionastheoutstanding urgentcarecenterinthemarket.
