EMH opens new Kids Care Express Clinic

Posted in News
by besttech

Lisa Roberson

The Chronicle-Telegram

ELYRIA – Sick kids who need to see a doctor long after their own doctor’s office has closed can now go to EMH Regional Medical Center to be seen in the new Kids Care Express Clinic.

Different from a regular trip to the doctor’s office, but not quite like visiting the emergency room, the clinic was created to not only ease the concerns of worried parents but also to alleviate the burden non-critical cases place on the emergency room.

“The emergency room is often not the right place for children to go when they have the sniffles, bumps, bruises or a bad cold,” said Kristen Davis, EMH spokeswoman. “We look at the Kids Care Express as an extension of a doctor’s office.’’

The clinic’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. Hospitals across the state and country all are working to remedy the trend of people using emergency rooms as pseudo primary care physicians.

Each year, millions of uninsured patients visit Ohio emergency rooms for treatment, resulting in millions in uncompensated care at the expense of hospitals, said Tiffany Himmelreich, spokeswoman for the Ohio Hospital Association.

By providing a clinic within steps of the hospital’s emergency room, patients can see one of six certified nurse practitioners or be admitted to the emergency room if need be.

“I like to tell people that when their doctor’s door closes, our door opens,” said Dr. Charles Weber, a local pediatrician with an office in North Ridgeville who is also serving as the clinic’s medical director. “This is perfect for parents that need to have a doctor take a quick look at their child, but with the inconveniences of life can not get in to see their regular doctor.”

Davis said the clinic also values continuity of care and nurse practitioners are required to send complete visit report to each patient’s regular doctor so follow-up care can take place. In addition, during the visit local pediatricians can be called to provide answers if need be, Weber added.

While still in its infancy, Kids Care Express has seen and treated patients for a myriad of illnesses including sore throat, fever, upper respiratory infection, ear infection, minor injuries, small cuts and abrasions and eye infections, Weber said. The average patient has been in and out in 40 minutes to one hour, including registration time.

“We are giving good patient care at a reasonable pace,” he said. “We don’t just shuffle them out. We make sure we get a good look at these kids.”

Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.

Kids Care Express is open seven days a week, every day of the year, from 4 to 11 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but parents can call (440) 326-KIDS (5437) ahead for a preferred time. Registration is taken in the emergency room and most insurance plans are accepted. After registration, parents and patients will be directed to Kids Care Express located on the fifth floor of the Symthe Tower.