MedExpress, LewisGale Sign Agreement

LewisGale Regional Health System and MedExpress Urgent Care, a healthcare provider that recently opened a full-service, walk-in urgent care center in Southwest Virginia with plans to open several more, have signed a collaborative care agreement.  This agreement will ultimately provide better access to quality care for patients seeking the services of either healthcare organization.

“Patients who visit urgent care centers often need more advanced care such as referrals to specialty physicians, lab or radiology services, or even a hospital emergency room,” says Victor Giovanetti, president, LewisGale Regional Health System.  “Our agreement with MedExpress will help patients receive this kind of care from our health system in an expedited manner.”

“MedExpress’ vision of providing great care and exceeding patient expectations aligns with LewisGale Regional Health System, where the patient is at the center of all decisions and relationships,” says MedExpress CEO Frank Alderman.  “This agreement was developed to help patients navigate the complexities of the health care system in the most convenient, seamless way possible.”  

As part of this relationship, LewisGale will provide a one-call system for MedExpress patients who require a follow-up visit with their regular physician or need to be seen by a LewisGale-affiliated specialist. MedExpress values and respects each patient’s choice to health care and physician selection. Working collaboratively with LewisGale, however, allows MedExpress to efficiently facilitate additional care.  For continuity of care, MedExpress will also be able to electronically transfer patient records to a LewisGale facility or a physician office. 

Patients who normally see a LewisGale-affiliated physician will be encouraged to use MedExpress for their urgent care needs during evenings and weekends when their physician’s office is closed. “We are very pleased to form this partnership with MedExpress,” says Giovanetti.  “It’s a win-win for our patients who, through MedExpress, will now have access to several convenient locations and extended evening and weekend hours. With both of our organizations being committed to high-quality, compassionate care, our community will benefit significantly from this new partnership.”

MedExpress’ center in Salem is at 1336 W. Main Street. A second center will open soon at 4902 Electric Road. MedExpress centers are open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., seven days a week.