Effective September 30th Lake Region Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine officially began operating as a Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) facility. Located at 273 Grandview Avenue in Honesdale, Lake Region provides urgent care for non-life threatening conditions seven days a week. Also offered on site are lab, x-ray, and respiratory services as well as occupational medicine–ranging from pre-employment screenings to CDL physicals. Over the last 10 years, Lake Region Urgent Care has developed a stellar reputation in the community for quality care.
WMCHC officials say no major changes at the urgent-care center are planned, but they do hope to reach a greater number of patients. “We aren’t looking to transform Lake Region,” stated Frederick Jackson, executive director, WMCHC. “We recognize the need for urgent care. A trip to the Emergency Room is not always warranted.”
Jackson elaborated, “In 2020, WMCHC embarked on a strategic plan to expand same day appointments and same day access at all of our 11 primary care and pediatric offices. The Lake Region Urgent Care acquisition complements this effort throughout the counties served by WMCHC. People want same day access and we are maximizing community resources to provide it.” WMCHC operates facilities in Wayne, Pike, eastern Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties.
Patients who have used the facility in the past won’t notice a significant difference in their patient experience either. “We’re very pleased that the majority of providers decided to remain with us,” Jackson stated. Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners Valerie Bell and Chelsea LaTourette will both continue to treat patients at Lake Region. They are joined by Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jeanette Parker, who transferred from the Hamlin Family Health Center. Additionally, the position of Medical Director, vacated when Roman Matlaga, DO stepped down, will be filled by Richard Hacker, MD, a board-certified family physician with extensive experience in the specialties of emergency medicine and urgent care.
One major improvement, yet to be realized as a result of the acquisition, will be increased access to affordable care. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), WMCHC accepts most major insurances including Medical Assistance and offers a sliding fee program based on income. Jackson emphasized that the credentialing process for insurance is still ongoing. However, he was hopeful that Lake Regional Urgent Care would be able to expand its patient base to include Medical Assistance and sliding fee patients as of November, 2020.
WMCHC, a clinical affiliate of Wayne Memorial Health System, Inc., is a multispecialty physician practice offering primary care, women’s health, pediatrics, dental and behavioral health as well as specialty services including surgery, pulmonary & sleep medicine and cardiology. Visit wmchc.net for information on all services.
Photo: Lake Region Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine, located at Hilltop Plaza in Honesdale will keep its name; however, fall under the umbrella of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers.
