GALLIPOLIS — Area residents now have access to affordable health care on a walk-in basis at the new Ohio QuickCare clinic, located at 305 Upper River Road.

The project is a joint venture between Holzer Consolidated Health Systems and Ohio Valley Physicians, and provides services delivered by a staff of nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants.

“This is something we’ve needed in this community for a long time,” said Kenny Coughenour, director of business development for HCHS. “With the rising cost of health care, this is something our system wanted to do and today’s the day it’s going to happen.”

The office opened it’s doors for the first time on Monday, and local officials, community members, medical professionals and other representatives were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“This is a wonderful asset to our community and I hope they take advantage of it,” said Gallipolis City Commission President Jim Cozza.

Patients can be treated for commonly diagnosed problems such as upper respiratory infections, allergies, ear infections and strep throat, and a pharmacy will soon be located right on the premises. Work physicals, sports physicals, and several vaccines can also be administered during regular business hours.

The clinic is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week, offering added convenience to patients with busy schedules.

One of the greatest benefits of having these services housed together is the ability to quickly diagnose and treat common ailments, sometimes within 15 minutes. A single staff member takes care of each patient through the entire process - from giving them an exam and writing prescriptions to collecting fees for services rendered.

A routine office visit costs $39, with an extra charge for any ancillary tests. If a person is not treatable at the clinic, they will be referred to a physician or to the emergency department.

“Health care costs have become such a burden,” said Ohio QuickCare President and CEO of Ohio Valley Physicians Stacey Shy. “This is a consumer driven health care model, and it’s a great model to provide care to the people of this area for a little less money. We’ve streamlined the process to provide relief as it pertains to health care costs. We’re excited because we’re filling a void in the community that wasn’t being addressed.”

“It’s not a new concept, but it’s new for this area,” said HCHS President and CEO Tom Tope. “It gives residents an opportunity for affordable menu-style services with pricing to address the issue of high health care costs.”

“I’m glad they’re here,” said Pastor Jim Snyder, who went to the clinic for help with an upper respiratory infection. “The cost of health care is unreal. People can’t afford to get treated, so they get even sicker because what they have turns into something else. I love it here not only because of the low cost, which is first and foremost, but also because of the staff.”

“We’re here to treat patients for acute illnesses,” said Nurse Practitioner Jeanne Ingles, FNP-C. “We’re cost effective, fast, friendly and we’re thrilled to be able to help the community. It’s long overdue.”

For more information visit www.OhioQuickCare.com.