RediClinic testing and treating influenza patients, addressing concerns amid swine flu outbreak
HOUSTON RediClinic, which operates 21 clinics within HEB stores in Houston and Austin, is offering patients experiencing flu-like symptoms that may be caused by the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, diagnosis, testing and treatment, and is coordinating with HEB pharmacists and community officials to help address patient concerns.
In Texas, officials have confirmed 43 cases of the swine flu, as well as the death of a toddler from Mexico.
The clinic operator can administer a rapid flu test to immediately determine if a patient has the influenza A virus. If a patient tests positive for this strain, a culture will be sent to the appropriate health department for further testing to determine whether it is the swine flu. When medically appropriate, clinicians are prepared to prescribe antiviral drugs.
“It is imperative that individuals who have flu-like symptoms receive immediate medical attention, in order to minimize their suffering and reduce the risk to the community,” stated Web Golinkin, CEO of RediClinic. “RediClinic is well equipped to provide residents with convenient access to information about the H1N1 virus and affordable initial diagnoses, testing and treatment.”
Lori Knowles, COO of RediClinic, told Drug Store News that the number of clinic visits is up about 30% week over week as concerned patients seek information on how to protect themselves and their families and undergo testing if they suspect they or a loved one have the swine flu.
In an effort to remain up to date on the spread of the swine flu, get the latest CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines for diagnosing and treating, and to address any questions, the company is holding conference calls every morning with nurse practitioners and the leadership team. As a precaution, clinicians have been given disposable gowns, safety goggles and masks to wear when treating ill patients. Patients are given masks to wear while they wait in the waiting room area and, if they are diagnosed with influenza, are given masks to wear when they leave the clinic.
The company has also established an intranet for its employees and has centralized the supply ordering for influenza materials. Typically, each clinic would order its own suppliers through vendors.
Knowles also said the company has a strong relationship with the HEB pharmacists and frequent phone calls are made to the regional director of pharmacy to see what the pharmacists are experiencing and to help ensure that the appropriate medications are in stock.
RediClinic is also treating those HEB associates, as well as its own staff, who experience flu-like symptoms.
In an effort to further strengthen the bond with the communities its serves, RediClinic is also holding conference calls with local schools and hospitals to create community response plans.