Receive the Right Care, in the Right Place, Right Away at Health Express

Author

Photo of Will Tollefson, MD Emergency Medicine

William Tollefsen, MD, Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care

A doctor looks at a boy's throat during an exam

Prior to the pandemic, urgent care was one of the fastest growing segments of the health care industry. In the five-year period 2014-2019, the number of urgent care centers in the U.S. increased 67%, from 6,400 to 9,616. 

During the past three years, the need for COVID-19 testing and vaccination further fueled the demand for urgent care centers, and today there are nearly 11,000 facilities across the country treating more than 160 million people each year.

Health Express’ six urgent care locations continue to be an invaluable resource for patients across the South Shore for COVID-related care and the treatment of a wide range of injuries and illnesses – no appointment needed. 

Hospital emergency rooms around the region are busier than ever, making Health Express a quick, convenient and cost-effective alternative for the treatment of acute, non-life threatening conditions.

We have been there for you throughout the pandemic and we’re still here for you with the right care, in the right place, right away.

Here are six more things to know about urgent care at Health Express.

An ace bandage is wrapped around a girl's ankle

It’s comprehensive care for a multitude of injuries and illnesses

At Health Express, our providers can treat a variety of injuries such as sprains, broken bones, cuts, lacerations and burns, as well as illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus or ear infections.

Our offices have onsite x-ray, EKG and laboratory services allowing testing for viral and bacterial infections such as COVID-19, streptococcus, and mononucleosis, and can provide IV hydration and medications, repair lacerations and splinting for fractures and sprains.

It’s quality care from qualified medical providers

You can feel confident about your care at Health Express, because all of our offices are staffed with medical professionals trained in emergency medicine, including board certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with extensive emergency room experience.

Urgent Care Leg Injury

And because we are part of the South Shore Health our providers can leverage the entire health system, to offer comprehensive patient care, order advanced imaging like ultrasound or CT scans and offer referrals to physicians and specialists directly within the health system.

It’s convenient, timely care

Health Express is a full-service, walk-in urgent care center, no appointments are needed.  We are open seven days a week at most of our locations, with evening hours Monday through Friday -- after many primary care providers’ offices are closed. With seven offices across the South Shore – including Abington, Braintree, Kingston, Pembroke, Plymouth, and Weymouth – there is a Health Express urgent care near you.

The sign on the outside of a Health Express office

It’s quick and efficient

Unlike busy hospital emergency rooms, where it may take hours to be seen by a provider, wait times are short at Health Express, with patients generally evaluated and treated in less than an hour. Our goal is to get patients in and out quickly, while providing quality care.

It’s more than just urgent care

In addition to treating urgent medical issues, Health Express provides occupational health services for area employers, including drug and alcohol testing and physicals, as well as department of transportation evaluations and forms for commercial drivers. We also offer summer camp and sports physicals for kids and teens.

It’s more affordable than an emergency room visit

Two female Health Express staff members speak at the front desk

Even with medical insurance, a visit to an emergency room can cost 10 times as much as an urgent care visit at Health Express.

Health Express is considered Tier 1, which is the lowest level of copay under insurance coverage. To determine your copay or coverage for urgent care, we suggest calling your medical insurance company prior to your visit.

 

William W. Tollefsen, MD., MSc., MBA., FAEMS is Vice Chairman of Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care and Medical Director for Emergency Medical Services and Mobile Integrated Health at South Shore Health. Learn more about Health Express and find a location near you.

 

 

Author

Photo of Will Tollefson, MD Emergency Medicine

William Tollefsen, MD, Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care