Retail medical clinics open up in roadside truck stops
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., and ATLANTA Looking to help America’s truckers with their healthcare needs while on the road, Roadside Medical Labs and Clinics and Pilot Travel Centers are working to expand the new network of retail medical clinics.
The first location opened earlier this year at the Pilot Travel Center in Cartersville, Ga. According to Roadside Medical Labs’ Web site, a clinic is expected to open in Knoxville, Tenn. on March 20; in West Memphis, Ark. on March 27; and also will be “opening soon” in East St. Louis, Ill. Roadside stated that it plans to deliver 17 additional locations in 2008 and 20 more in 2009.
The walk-in clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Depending on state regulations, patients will be treated by a physician, physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner. While the clinics will keep many routine medications in stock, and dispense prescriptions to its patients, it is not a walk-in pharmacy. Services include acute care, wellness programs and DOT Services like physicals and drug screenings.
“We provide drivers with not only the medical assistance through our clinics to help with their existing health concerns, but also make it easy for them to integrate practical health care solutions into their schedules with healthcare coaching, trucker tips and exercises they can do in and around their rig to keep them on a better road to health,” stated Joe Neely, chief executive officer of Roadside.
In addition to acute care and DOT Services, Roadside has developed wellness and preventive programs. For $15 to $30 per month, drivers or companies can pick from a menu of wellness services including one-on-one healthy coaching via the phone. It has also developed a spouse outreach program.
Maintenance programs include:
- Road Test: A complete physical assessment and annual medical planning.
- First Gear: Routine monitoring, exercise program, & preferred pricing.
- Second Gear: Customized online wellness center and Health Activity Tracker.
- Third Gear: Bio-screening including a wellness bio-blood panel and DOT Exam.
- Coaching: Dedicated to keep drivers on the road to a healthier lifestyle.