Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
As a shortage of primary care doctors looms along with more Americans getting insurance through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, Aria Health has opened a FastCare clinic in the Levittown Giant store.
The 550-square-foot clinic located in the Giant on New Falls Road in Middletown’s Levittown section is staffed by a nurse practitioner and staff. The operation is overseen by a doctor from Aria Hospital’s Lower Bucks campus in Falls.
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Hospital officials said the facility tucked in to the front of the store will provide treatment for the flu, sore throat, allergies, allergies, ear infections and more, in addition to sports and camp physicals. The facility will also offer some lab testing.
The Affordable Care Act is expected to allow more Americans to get medical care through insurance. Officials say the industry is moving toward adding FastCare walk-in clinics to ease the burden on emergency rooms.
Kate Kinslow, president and CEO of the Aria Health system, thanked Giant for having the “foresight” to partner for the clinic and said the FastCare center will help reduce the cost of healthcare.
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“For many years our pharmacists have been strong health resources in our stores by providing information and offering flu clinics. This new partnership with Aria Health FastCare will expand the health and wellness resources we are able to offer to our customers and provide them with an alternative choice for those needing medical treatment,” Giant’s Director of Pharmacy Leigh Shirley said.
Store and hospital employees noted that the Giant features groceries, a pharmacy and now the healthcare center.
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“I’ve heard of one stop shopping – but this takes it to the next level,” State Senator Tommy Tomlinson said.
Aria Health operates a second FastCare clinic, which is a nationwide franchise, out of the ShopRite store in Morrell Plaza on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia. Giant officials said the company also features walk-in clinics in two Central Pennsylvania stores.
Rick Watson, Aria’s director of business development, said the health system hopes to expand with more FastCare locations in the future.
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“FastCare accepts most insurances and office visit co-pays. Patients can also pay out-of-pocket. A FastCare visit is $65, which does not include tests or additional services,” according to information provided by Giant.
