CoxHealth, Skaggs partner to operate new Clinic at Walmart in Branson

Today, Walmart, CoxHealth and Skaggs Regional Medical Center announced a new collaboration – “The Clinic at Walmart” operated by CoxHealth in partnership with Skaggs Regional Medical Center. This new convenient care clinic will be located in the Branson Walmart supercenter at 1101 Branson Hills Parkway and will open Monday, Nov. 2. The clinic will offer the same fast, affordable access to basic health care services available at Springfield-area locations, and will be the first location in Branson. This is CoxHealth’s fifth in-store clinic in an area Walmart supercenter.

This clinic will be operated as a joint venture between CoxHealth and Skaggs. CoxHealth will oversee day-to-day operations of the clinic, while nurse practitioners and collaborating physicians will be provided by both health systems.

“We’re happy to be able to collaborate in this partnership, and to bring The Clinic at Walmart model to those who live in and visit Branson,” says David Taylor, CoxHealth vice president of Regional Services. “This partnership allows us to work jointly with Skaggs and offer yet another avenue to provide quality, affordable care to the community.”

“The Clinic at Walmart has provided us a great opportunity to partner with CoxHealth to provide another location for area residents and visitors to access medical care for minor illnesses,” says Joan Phillips, Skaggs Interim CEO. “The delivery of health care services is ever-changing. As Baby Boomers age and Generation Y and X seek medical services, they are looking for convenience. So it is exciting to see three organizations come together to provide that convenience at The Clinic at Walmart.”

The clinics serve as an alternative for people at least 18 months old who are sick enough to need care, but aren’t sick enough to need the level of care available in an emergency department or urgent care clinic. The clinics are also an affordable option for patients who might otherwise postpone or avoid care because they lack insurance, have concerns about the cost, or are away from home and in need of basic medical services.

The clinics offer upfront pricing and prompt access to acute and preventive care for common health ailments treatable without urgent or emergency care, including sore throats, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, earaches, bladder infections, insect bites and stings, cholesterol screening, blood sugar testing, vaccinations, drug screening and routine physicals. Clinics offer walk-in service seven days a week and evening hours.

Walmart has 44 in-store clinics in 12 states. For further information about “The Clinic at Walmart”, please visit www.walmart.com/clinics. For more information about CoxHealth, please visit www.coxhealth.com. For more information about Skaggs Regional Medical Center, please visit www.skaggs.net.

Cox announces H1N1 distribution plan

Patients of CoxHealth physicians are asked to call their primary care physician’s office to be placed on a list to receive H1N1 vaccine.

Vaccine must first be distributed to those patients at highest risk of suffering complications from the H1N1 virus, as identified by the CDC. When patients call, they should be prepared to answer a few basic health questions so staff can place them on the appropriate list according to their risk group. When vaccine for their group becomes available, they will be notified.

CoxHealth clinics will receive a relatively small number of doses each week, so it may take some time before vaccine is available for everyone. When vaccine is received from the Health Department, it must be used within the week, so patients must be prepared to come into their physician’s office with very little notice. If a patient is not available to receive vaccine when contacted, their name will remain on the list for the next available shipment.

The administration fee will be filed with private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Patients are reminded to practice good infection prevention techniques while they wait for vaccine: cover your coughs or sneezes, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and stay home if you are sick.

Silent auction to benefit CMN

The CoxHealth Pastoral Care department will hold a silent auction to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Friday, Oct. 16, 7 a.m. - 4p.m., in the main lobby of Cox South, 3801 S. National Ave.

A variety of items will be available for bidding. All proceeds benefit CMN.

CMN of CoxHealth is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for sick and injured children living in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Funds raised benefit CMN projects such as the C.A.R.E. Mobile – a children’s clinic on wheels – medical equipment, financial assistance and educational programs.

For more information, please call Children’s Miracle Network at 417/269-KIDS.

Class offers parenting, communication skills

CoxHealth will hold the two-day “Prepping for Parenthood” class Friday, Oct. 16, from 6-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. The class will be held in suite 110 of the Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose.

Expectant couples will learn new communication and conflict management skills. For more information or to register, call 269-LADY.