Convenient Care
Augusta Health Clinics offer low-cost Health Services
Convenience and low cost. Those are the two driving forces behind Augusta Health’s
latest venture: the Convenient Care Clinic, located in the Walmarts in Staunton and
Waynesboro.
Convenient Care Clinics treat minor illnesses and provide preventive healthcare in
locations such as retail stores and supermarkets, says Phillip Worrell, Project Manager at
Augusta Health. “We’re addressing the community’s needs by providing convenient and
affordable healthcare,” says Worrell, who notes that 60 percent of convenient care clinic
patients nationally don’t have their own primary care physicians—a barrier to getting regular
care. “This is another avenue of healthcare.”
The partnership between Augusta Health and Walmart is part of a nationwide initiative
from the retail giant as they team up with local hospitals to offer low-cost, quality care without
the wait, seven days a week (including nights and weekends). It’s also a way—in conjunction
with Augusta Health Urgent Care facilities—to relieve overburdened emergency rooms.
According to David Serle, Practice Administrator for Convenient Care Clinics at Augusta
Health, the Walmart clinic is owned, operated and staffed by Augusta Health, from nurse
practitioners—who see patients—to administrative assistants—who handle patient
registration. Augusta Health also provides a medical director to oversee the clinic.
For April Reagan, FNP, one of two nurse practitioners caring for patients at the clinic, it’s
a great opportunity to get to know the community and provide focused care. “It’s something I
wouldn’t be able to experience somewhere else,” she says.
All patients who visit the clinic will have a report generated, which is sent to their
primary care provider to keep him or her in the loop. Patients who don’t have a primary care
physician will be given a list of all primary care providers in the area, not just those from
Augusta Health.
Costs for Convenient Care vary by service, with routine get-well or preventive visits
costing less than $65, and most less than $40. All costs are clearly posted, and Convenient Care
will submit claims to your insurance company on your behalf. Some of the conditions treated
and services provided at the clinic include:
• bladder infections
• blood sugar testing
• cholesterol screenings
• dermatologic issues, including acne
• flu
• immunizations
• insect bites and stings
• minor wounds
• poison ivy
• routine physicals (including those for school and work)
• sinus infections
• sore throats
• sprains and strains
• upper respiratory infections and bronchitis
Patients whose conditions are out of the scope of the Convenient Care Clinic will be
referred to an urgent care or other facility.
Currently, both walk-in Convenient Care Clinics can treat adults and children age 6 and
older. They are open 57 hours per week:
 Monday through Friday, 10 am to 7 pm
 Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
 Sunday, noon to 5 pm
Finally, Serle stresses that Convenient Care Clinics don’t take the place of primary care
providers, but rather serve as another way for patients to get treatment for their acute illnesses
and injuries when they need it.