Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare has opened a new urgent care center, modeled with convenience in mind.
The new location in downtown Hartford — named "The Health Desk @ 100 Pearl" after its address, 100 Pearl St. — seeks to provide care for the area's busy residents, including commuters, college students and working professionals.
"It's not always convenient for people to get the care they need. Driving to see a provider can be difficult and there are limited healthcare options in the downtown area. They also may not have a private and comfortable space to take a virtual appointment," said Eric Walsh, MD, medical director of Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care, in a Dec. 18 news release. "The Health Desk @ 100 Pearl is geared to meet those needs. It gives people quick and easy access to non-emergent care and testing downtown. All they have to do is walk in."
The space is equipped with two private rooms with video conferencing equipment so patients can meet with urgent care providers virtually. An on-site medical assistant is there to take vitals and administer tests for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including urinary tract infections, strep throat and COVID-19.
The Health Desk can also treat allergies, asthma, minor skin rashes and injuries and the flu, the release specifies. Walk-ins are accepted, but patients have the option to save a spot by pre-registering online.
The model seeks to provide a more affordable option for efficient care outside of the emergency department without sacrificing quality, and can directly connect patients to Hartford HealthCare's care network when a follow-up is necessary, according to the news release.