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Keith McCord ReportingThe next time you head to the grocery store, you'll not only be able to buy milk, bread and other food items, but you'll be able to get a medical check up too. It's a new venture that the University of Utah is starting up.
When you're not feeling well and need to see a doctor, you normally wouldn't think about going to a grocery store, but now you can-- at the Olympus Cove Dan's Foods.
Matthew Cobb is a Physician Assistant at the "Care Quick Clinic"-- a walk-in clinic run by the University of Utah Heath Care system.
Matthew Cobb: "No appointment necessary. You can walk in any time."
This is the first grocery store-based clinic in Utah. THis one opened about a month ago and more are planned.
Matthew Cobb: "The objective is that we would be in other stores like this in the future, depending on what the interest and response from the community is."
Walk-in clinics in grocery stores, such as this one at Dan's, aren't a new idea. This clinic is modeled after others that are common in the midwest and eastern United states.
The "Quick Clinic" has a private examination room, right next to the store pharmacy. It's outfitted with a variety of medical equipment.
Matthew Cobb: "We can see sore throats, earaches, bladder infections, allergies, we can test for rapid influenza."
The "Quick Clinic" is about convenience, but it's not meant to replace your regular primary or specialty care doctor. No surgeries will be performed. Since it's part of the University Health System, if you need additional care, Matt Cobb can make sure you get it.
Matthew Cobb: "I have access to immediate physician consultation. I have an electronic medical record that can be read by any of our providers throughout the healthcare system, including the hospital."
Quick, convenient health care at a cost of 35-dollars a visit. Cash only.
The clinic is open Monday through Saturday now. Ultimately, the plan is to have the clinic hours match the pharmacy hours seven days a week.
