ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group had a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 20 for its new express primary care clinic off Laguna Boulevard.

This location is the second in the Sacramento region to offer this specific healthcare model, with the other clinic being in Roseville in Placer County.

Although not an express care clinic, the Dignity Health Urgent Care in Midtown Sacramento also offers same-day care.

Express primary care offers comprehensive services for the whole family, from diagnosing to treating a range of health conditions. The clinics provide same-day, low-severity urgent care for common issues such as allergies, coughs, rashes and even minor injuries.

Heather Peters, Dignity Health service line director who oversees urgent care, express care and occupational medicine, said the clinics blend the best of all those services.

 

Pictured is one of the patient rooms available at Dignity Health Express Primary Care Elk Grove, 8259 Laguna Blvd. Photo courtesy of Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group

“It’s a great model because it’s like low acuity urgent care mixed with primary care,” she said.

Peters noted that the clinic uses point-of-care testing, which provides immediate results at the patient’s side. It also offers same-day appointments, interpreter tablets, vaccines for all ages, telehealth options and pediatric care.

“Nowadays, people don’t want to make an appointment and wait,” Peters said. “If their plans change for the day and they have time available, they want to do it at their convenience.”

Robert Marchuk, Dignity Health Physician Market president, said in a speech before the ribbon-cutting ceremony that the new clinic reflects Dignity Health’s commitment to meeting community needs.

“We saw the demand for same-day appointments and the desire for extended hours and that’s what we wanted to provide,” Marchuk said. “We understand that in today’s busy world, it’s not always easy to find time to see your doctor. This clinic was envisioned to be in your community, where you shop, where you work, where you live.”

Methodist Hospital of Sacramento President Phyillis Baltz said the expansion builds on the hospital’s long presence in the area as one of the main healthcare facilities.

“For over 50 years, Methodist has served this community,” said Baltz. “This express primary care clinic is just one more way we’re bringing compassionate, quality and accessible care to the community.”

Dr. Bianca Roberts, family physician and department chair of family medicine, explained that the model is designed to bridge the gap between urgent and primary care.

“If you think of urgent care on one side and traditional primary care on the other, express primary care is right in the middle,” she said.

 

Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group had a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 20, for its new express primary care clinic off Laguna Boulevard. Photo courtesy of Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group

Roberts noted that the clinic can treat respiratory illness, urinary symptoms and sports injuries the same day, as well as help manage high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension. Services also include well-child checks, immunizations, well-woman exams, referrals to specialists and annual checkups.

“We are excited to bring this innovative model of care to Elk Grove,” Roberts said, thanking physicians, staff and operational leaders for their work.

Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen credited Roberts and Dignity Health for their commitment to the community by consistently engaging and learning its needs.

“Access to healthcare is one of the most important needs in our growing city,” said Singh-Allen. “This new location will make it easier for families and individuals to receive same-day care, whether virtually or in person, with extended hours and a wide range of services.”

Singh-Allen added that the clinic represents another step toward opening the city’s first hospital, which will be a Dignity Health facility.