JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ — To better serve the needs of its customers, Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (Pink Sheets: WNDXQ) is partnering with Birmingham, Ala.-based WELLSPOT Medical Clinics, Inc. to open free-standing walk-in medical clinics in three Jacksonville area Winn-Dixie stores in mid- November. Current plans call for additional Winn-Dixie/WELLSPOT walk-in clinics in the Jacksonville area early next year, with the partnership expanding into other Winn-Dixie stores with in-store pharmacies in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana through the end of 2007.
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The first three WELLSPOT walk-in clinics will be in the Winn-Dixie stores at 11380 Beach Boulevard at St. Johns Bluff Road, 5207 Normandy Boulevard near Cassat Avenue, and 1436 S.R. 121 near I-10 in MacClenny.
“This business partnership benefits our customers by providing them with quality medical care in a location they already know and trust for their food and pharmacy needs,” said Peter Lynch, president and CEO of Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. “Establishing WELLSPOT clinics inside Winn-Dixie stores extends our commitment to getting better all the time and serving the needs of our customers by making economical health care more accessible to the neighborhoods and communities we serve.”
Studies show nearly a third of the U.S. population does not have a family physician, fueling a growing trend of establishing walk-in medical clinics in large retail stores like Winn-Dixie. The rising cost of health care has forced many businesses to cut health insurance coverage for their employees, and left many other people without any health insurance coverage.
“WELLSPOT’s services are an answer to the rising cost and extended wait times associated with routine medical care. We offer our patients professional medical care at an affordable price so that they can return to their normal lifestyle,” said James B. Laughlin, III, WELLSPOT’s CEO. “No appointment is necessary and our medical clinics are conveniently located. Most patient visits normally take less than 20 minutes and can include immunizations, prescription services and a variety of diagnostic tests.”
Highly-trained Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) – all of whom have earned master’s degrees – staff Winn-Dixie/WELLSPOT walk-in clinics. Nurse Practitioners are nationally certified and licensed by the state to diagnose patients and prescribe necessary medication while working in collaboration with a local physician.
WELLSPOT’s cost for basic medical services is generally less than $50 with lab tests costing $10 to $60, depending on the test performed. In addition to routine health care treatment, wellness programs such as weight loss and smoking cessation also are available. WELLSPOT provides multiple payment options for patients; accepting VISA, MasterCard, cash, check and debit cards as well as many insurance plans. WELLSPOT is dedicated to working with the payer community and is currently contracting with insurance providers serving Florida members. WELLSPOT suggests prospective patients confirm insurance acceptance prior to receiving care.
“Our clinics are for busy people and families, as well as local businesses that strive to reduce employee time away from the workplace. We can help companies and individuals reduce their overall medical costs,” said Laughlin. “Our goal is to be the most trusted and highest quality medical care giver for people seeking fast, convenient and cost-effective treatment and prevention of common medical conditions.”
In support of the Jacksonville-area clinic openings, WELLSPOT is currently interviewing ARNP candidates with Family Practice certification. Interested candidates should go to http://www.wellspot.com/ for additional information. They can submit their resume to [email protected] or call (205) 988-9577.
WELLSPOT currently operates eight walk-in clinics in Alabama and Georgia, with plans to expand to 60 walk-in clinics throughout the Southeast by early 2008.
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., is one of the nation’s largest food retailers. Founded in 1925, the company is headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. For more information, please visit http://www.winn-dixie.com/.
About WELLSPOT:
WELLSPOT Medical Clinics offers an innovation in health care by focusing on accessibility, time, cost and treatment for most common conditions. Centers are staffed by certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who are licensed to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications when necessary. For complex conditions, our professionals refer patients to a local network of physicians or medical facilities. Additionally, WELLSPOT provides health screenings, DOT and sports physicals, wellness programs, vaccinations and many other health-related services offered to save people time and money.
For more information about WELLSPOT’s professional medical care, wellness services, fees and payment options, go to http://www.wellspot.com/ or call toll-free, (866) 988-9980.
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Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
CONTACT: Roseanne Flippen of WELLSPOT, +1-205-263-5803, or cell,+1-205-936-1224, or [email protected]; or Terry Derreberry of Winn-DixieStores, Inc., +1-904-783-5852, or cell, +1-904-233-0631, [email protected]; or Patrick McSweeney of St. John & Partners,+1-904-596-2085, or cell, +1-904-923-4871, or [email protected], for Winn-DixieStores, Inc.
Web site: http://www.winn-dixie.com/http://www.wellspot.com/
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