Express Care helps with non-emergent care

NEWPORT – Express Care at Newport Health Center provides an option for emergency room visits that hospital officials thought would ease some of the volumes in the Emergency Department (ED). “We continue seeing high volumes in the ED. It just confirms there’s been a significant gap in access to appropriate levels of care until now,” Jenny Smith, hospital director of strategy and community engagement, said.

Smith said Newport Community Hospital is on track to exceed 10,000 patient visits in 2024, which is very high for a rural critical access hospital.

The hospital’s ED only has seven beds, she said so treating that many patients in such a small space can be challenging.

“With summer approaching, the hospital ED is extremely busy, although the wait times for services are still a fraction of the wait times at larger facilities,” Smith said.

Prior to adding Express Care services, hospital officials heard from the community that they wanted an option for urgent/non-emergent medical care.

As a big part of their 2023 strategic plan, they implemented Express Care services at Newport Health Center late last summer assigning Physician Assistant Eric Renk early last fall, fulfilling the role of Express Care provider, as well as backing up the Emergency Department physician during times of acuity or high patient volume.

Newport Hospital and Health Services recently hired a second Express Care provider who will start in August. Smith said having a second provider will allow the District to extend their clinic services on Saturdays and provide even more support for the ED.

She said, the Express Care service line has grown rapidly, comprising 15% of Newport Health Center’s patient volume Renk said the community’s response to the Express Care experiment has been very positive providing an essential service that has definitely shown its value to the public. “Working on a first-come, first-served basis has presented a challenge and great opportunity with some days seeing as many as 30 or more people,” he said.

“The ability to see same day concerns and institute first line imaging and laboratory services, speeds and improves the accuracy of our care,” Renk said. “For the future I only see the ability and capacity to care for individuals improving.”

Express Care also eases the scheduling burden for the hospital’s primary care providers, allowing them more appointment times for their assigned patients to address issues relating to wellness, chronic disease management, and other primary care concerns.

Newport Health Center’s Express Care Clinic is open to walkins for urgent, but non-emergent medical concerns. Express Care is open to anyone, regardless of primary care location.

Newport Health Center accepts a variety of insurance plans. Express Care patients without insurance and those with insurance plans not contracted with Newport Health Center will be charged upfront using a sliding fee scale.

Appropriate Express Care visits include: Asthma or allergies Back pain, without sudden neurologic changes Bronchitis Earaches Foreign object in ear or nose Mild to moderate abdominal pain Mild to moderate headache Minor burns Minor injuries Moderate fever Nausea/vomiting or persistent diarrhea Rashes and skin conditions Red/itchy eyes Sinus symptoms Sore throat Sprains and strains Urinary issues Vaginal discharge and/or itching For life-threatening (emergent) issues, including thoughts of self-harm, the hospital advises people visit the closest emergency department or dial 911 for emergency medical response.