Michigan-based Emergency Care Specialists, a physician owned private practice that provides staffing for 13 emergency departments throughout the state, opened its first emergency clinic in Grand Rapids. It’s goal? Offer a low-cost alternative to emergency room visits while providing services not available at area urgent care facilities.
Dr. Todd Chassee, Medical Director for RightCare Clinic, explains how this new approach to emergency care came about.
“We recognized that many patients have a need that doesn’t quite require the level of the emergency department and, conversely, many patients who are seen at the urgent care need additional care and so we tried to create an environment where we could provide that care beyond that of traditional care but meeting the needs of patients who don’t need the full services of the emergency department.”
According to a recent U.S. News & World Report study, the average cost of an emergency room visit has topped $2,000. RightCare Clinic estimates its average patient visit will cost around $350. That includes costs associated with consultation, x-rays, CT scans and blood and urine lab work, all done on-site.
“The whole point of this clinic was we see many patients who get directed to the emergency department where they don’t need all of the bells and whistles and the resources of the emergency department and so the ability to offer that at a much better value, lower cost for the patient we saw as a huge opportunity.”
The clinic is staffed with certified emergency professionals and accepts all insurances. You can visit the RightCare Clinic at 745 E. Beltline Avenue in Grand Rapids.
