The Pleasanton Express Online Edition

Current Weather

Complete Forecast

Lotto Results

Online Poll

Flu Fast Track clinic opens to answer need for treatment
., . - Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Available to assist patients with flu symptoms at the STRMC offsite flu clinic located outside the Lone Star Medicine building at 110 Preston Street in Pleasanton, are these health care professionals Tricia Myers, Georgia Romero, Yuri Casares, Barbara Luna and Roxanne Bazan. (Express photo by Sue Brown Elizondo)

	Email story to a friend
	Printer friendly version

STRMC offsite care to ease burden on emergency room

In light of the events surrounding the H1N1 virus, South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) has taken a proactive approach to meet the growing needs for patient care due to the flu before the illness begins to adversely effect our community. The pandemic outcry by the public has led to soaring patient volumes in our emergency department during evening and weekend hours.

Although the convenience of the emergency department’s 24 hour availability is attractive, it may not necessarily be in the best interest of the patient. Typically, a flu condition is not treated as an emergency. Patients may endure long waits and possibly compromise the health of other patients if they are contagious.

To offset the community demand, STRMC is pleased to announce the opening of Flu Fast Track, a seasonal offsite flu clinic, on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Our Flu Fast Track is capable of caring for patients of all ages, presenting flu-like symptoms after-hours from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights; and 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

The clinic will not be vaccinating for the flu, only treating symptomatic patients. If influenza testing is conducted, results of the Rapid Influenza Antigen Test will be sent to the patient’s primary care physician. If necessary, the appropriate medications will be prescribed by the midlevel. Patients presenting with any other issues will be referred to the ED or back to their primary care physician.

The clinic will be staffed solely by mid-level practitioners ready to serve all walk-in patients. Contingency plans are in place to extend our Flu Fast Track’s days of operation should we continue to experience a high percentage of flu cases in our area. At the present time, it is anticipated that the clinic may be in operation through February or March 2010, or as demand requires. Most insurances are accepted. Cash pay patients and/or patients whose insurances are not accepted can expect to pay $65 for a visit. If a flu test or other exams are necessary, patients will be responsible for paying those charges.

This is an exceptional option for care for locals in need of medical attention after-hours or on weekends. The clinic will be operating at 110 Preston St., Pleasanton, Tx. The Flu Fast Track phone number is 830-769-5355. The Flu Fast Track will begin seeing patients on Thursday, October 22, 2009.