SVMC ExpressCare, a convenient walk-in clinic, will be open 8 am to 6 pm seven days a week starting June 14.
The new hours provide the last patient of the day the convenience of filling a prescription—if they have one—before pharmacies close.
[private]The office is located in Suite 111 of the Medical Office Building at 140 Hospital Drive in Bennington.
“SVMC ExpressCare is here to provide same day health services for people of all ages. Our team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and support staff is dedicated to providing the care you need at the time you need it,” said Robert Tarnas, MD, the clinic’s medical director.
The clinic will provide care to patients of all ages with minor illnesses and injuries, including coughs, colds, and flu; eye and ear infections; pulled and strained muscles; cuts and scrapes; bites, stings, and rashes; stomach aches; and other conditions.
“If you have a health related problem and are unable to see your primary care provider and you do not require an Emergency Department visit, ExpressCare is here to help you,” Tarnas said. “SVMC, along with its partner Dartmouth-Hitchcock, works to provide you with the right care in the right place at the right time.”
ExpressCare’s staff can conduct visit-related tests, provide imaging services like x-ray, and give some vaccinations and flu shots. No appointment is necessary. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurers regarding coverage for these services.
The ExpressCare providers note that some conditions do warrant an Emergency Department visit. Those experiencing chest pains, serious injury, or illness should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away.
The clinic’s association with the hospital allows its providers to make direct referrals to SVMC and to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physicians. ExpressCare providers will communicate with patients’ primary care physicians.
“Our goal is to work with you and your primary care physician. The first choice would always be to contact the caregiver who knows you best,” said Tarnas. “If your physician is not able to see you when you need to be seen, ExpressCare can assist you by being available without an appointment.”
SVMC is a full-service community hospital whose physicians are members of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physicians, a multispecialty medical group operated in partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock. SVMC is part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), an integrated health system serving Bennington and Windham Counties in Vermont, upper New York State, and Northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. To learn more, visit svhealthcare.org.[/private]