Partnership Increases Efficiency and Lowers Costs for Patients
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) has partnered with ChoiceOne Urgent Care, LLC to open and operate a network of urgent care centers throughout Harford County.
This alliance offers individuals an integrated and coordinated delivery of health care with an increased access to UM UCH’s robust network of primary and specialty care providers, as well as its broad scope of services. The partnership also presents the community with another option to UM UCH’s Emergency Department. By using ChoiceOne/UM UCH urgent care centers, individuals should experience reduced wait times to see a provider and at a lower cost.
“Partnering with ChoiceOne Urgent Care allows us to better serve the needs of our Harford County community,” said Lyle E. Sheldon, FACHE, president and CEO of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. “This joint venture will provide high quality care to those who need urgent attention for a medical issue but not necessarily a visit to the emergency room. Working with ChoiceOne will complement the health care services we provide by caring for people in the right setting, at the right time and at a lower cost, improving access to care close to home and work.”
ChoiceOne/UM UCH plans to open its first two urgent care facilities in Harford County in early 2016. The locations will be announced at a later date. The two organizations will work to develop additional sites within the community.
“UM UCH is the most trusted name for health care in Harford County,” said Dr. Scott Burger, ChoiceOne’s chief medical officer and chief operating officer. “Through this partnership, UM UCH and ChoiceOne are providing seamless access to high-quality health care and services delivered to patients who need continued care.”
ChoiceOne/UM UCH providers offer treatment for non-urgent illnesses and injuries, such as colds, flu, broken bones, headaches, infections and sprains. Individuals can also receive pre-operative exams, sports physicals and occupational health services, e.g., pre-employment physicals, drug testing, workers’ compensation and vaccinations.
The centers are equipped with X-ray and EKG machines, laboratory services and on-site prescription dispensing services. Providers see individuals seven days a week and in the evenings, including holidays. Visitors to a center can walk in without an appointment or set their arrival time online at www.choiceoneuc.com. ChoiceOne accepts most insurance plans and private payment.
UM UCH is ChoiceOne’s second hospital partner in Maryland. It currently operates urgent care centers in Dundalk, Phoenix and Towson in partnership with the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.
ChoiceOne plans to hire providers, medical assistants and X-ray technicians for all its Harford County locations. For more information, visit www.choiceoneuc.com.
About University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health
In December 2013, Upper Chesapeake Health became University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. It consists of the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and the Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air and the University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace. The leading health care system and largest private employer in Harford County, UM Upper Chesapeake Health offers a broad range of health care services, technology and facilities to the residents of northeastern Maryland. Visit www.umuch.org for more information.
About ChoiceOne Urgent Care, LLC
ChoiceOne Urgent Care is a network of unique medical centers treating urgent, but not-emergent, medical conditions and needs. ChoiceOne offers patients comfort through our high focus on personalized attention, quality care and soothing atmosphere. Through extended hours, shorter wait times, lower costs and personalized attention, ChoiceOne delivers an exceptional health care experience to all our patients. For more information, visit www.choiceoneuc.com.
