Last week, I caught my usual Christmas cold that went to the usual sinus infection, but instead of trying to deal through the maze of folks at my doctor's office, I visited our local Minute Clinic. This was my first time to try Minute Clinic, so I didn't really know what to expect. It went like this:| 7:50:00 a.m. | Arrive at Minute Clinic |
| 8:00:00 a.m. | Minute Clinic opens |
| 8:00:20 | forms filled out |
| 8:01:00 a.m. | the Physician's assistant sees me |
| 8:03:00 a.m. | completed temperature, blood pressure (127/78, thank you), ears and throat examination |
| 8:03:30 a.m. | exchange upcoming Christmas stories |
| 8:04:00 a.m. | prescription printed, BCBST billed |
Minute Clinic really does live up to its name, and it fills a great gap between a primary care physician and an emergency room - when you need care quick, but not emergently. The PA was efficient and professional, and didn't challenge any of my self-diagnosis. When I get a sinus infection, I know what I have, and I know what I need. When she handed my prescription to me, she said "you can have this filled at any pharmacy that you like." Of course, there's one 10 feet away.
I highly recommend the Minute Clinic concept... and I hope some other folks get on the bandwagon soon to up the competition and drive down prices!
