Mid-Columbia Medical Center has opened the region’s first immediate
care center, bringing a much-needed service to the local community. MCMC
Immediate Care is designed expressly for patients with medical needs that
are not life-threatening but cannot wait for a doctor’s visit.
“Since our founding in 1901, MCMC has played a leading role in the
health of The Dalles and surrounding communities,” said Dennis Knox,
CEO of MCMC. “The opening of MCMC Immediate Care is the next chapter
in the history of our health system and reaffirms our commitment and mission
to look for new ways to provide easy access to care for our community’s
needs.”
The clinic is staffed by healthcare professionals who are specially trained
to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions, including minor fractures,
sprains or strains; cuts, scrapes or rashes; kitchen accidents; childhood
illnesses; diarrhea or vomiting; dehydration; urinary tract infection;
sore throat and runny nose. The clinic is also equipped to see patients
who have suffered sports or job-related injuries.
While certainly not foreseen when the clinic was first envisioned a year
ago, its opening comes while the community and the nation are confronting
the COVID-19 pandemic. During this crisis, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention is asking patients to avoid, when possible, physicians’
offices, clinics or hospitals where they could risk their own or others’
exposure to further illness. In response, last month MCMC launched a telemedicine
program giving patients access to online doctor’s visits.
“During the current health crisis, we are asking our community to
call their doctor and utilize MCMC Telemedicine for routine medical needs,”
said Serene Perkins, M.D., chief medical officer at MCMC. “However,
there are still times when an in-person visit is necessary; and that is
where immediate care comes in. Smartly using the clinic not only increases
our community’s access to urgently needed care but also reduces
visits to the hospital emergency department so the ED can focus on delivering
critically needed, lifesaving care. It is now more important than ever
for our community to access the right care at the right place and the
right time.”
MCMC Immediate Care is located at Water’s Edge, 551 Lone Pine Blvd.,
in The Dalles. It is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., including
holidays; and no appointment is necessary. MCMC accepts Medicare and many
insurance plans. Any required co-payments and/or deductibles will be collected
at the time of services.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory
If you have symptoms such as
fever,
cough or
shortness of breath, please
stay home and contact your physician for further guidance. If you do not have a
physician, call MCMC Immediate Care at
541.506.5880 or MCMC Family Medicine at
541.296.9151. If you are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention at your
nearest emergency department.
Founded in 1901 and located in The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Medical Center
is a nationally recognized hospital dedicated to serving residents of
The Dalles and its surrounding communities. As a Planetree hospital, MCMC
works to provide a caring, nurturing and educational environment; puts
great efforts into humanizing and demystifying the medical experience;
and strives to empower people to become active partners in their own healthcare.
For more information, visit
mcmc.net; and follow us on Facebook at
facebook.com/mcmchealth.