Ashley Blachford, Author at Journal of Urgent Care Medicine

Dealing with an Epidemic of Information in the Midst of a Pandemic

We are in an unprecedented time in medicine as we face a pandemic of an emerging viral disease spreading rapidly across the world. Information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is also expanding at lightning speed. This leads to an overabundance of information which can alter our decision-making abilities. This editorial will help the reader develop a plan to manage excessive information and misinformation. We’ve all about had it. Too many patients, too many worried well, not …

A 40-Year-Old Man with Cough and Fever During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The patient is a 40-year-old man who presents with cough and fever. Living and working in New York City as cases of COVID-19 were on a steep incline, he acknowledges multiple exposures to individuals who could have been infected with the virus. Similarly, he reports that a close friend had the flu recently. View the x-ray and consider what your diagnosis and next steps would be.

This Was Their Finest Hour

1940 was a particularly hopeless year in Great Britain. Having easily conquered France and signed a temporary treaty with the USSR, Adolf Hitler turned his full attention towards the conquest of the United Kingdom. As the Battle of Britain commenced, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, against this bleak backdrop, memorably addressed his people, and the world: “…if we fail, then the whole world…including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss …

Whether by Strain or Drain, COVID-19 Is Hitting Urgent Care Hard

Paradoxically, some urgent care centers are struggling due to low patient volumes during the COVID-19 crisis; patients who aren’t feeling that bad are afraid to venture out to a healthcare facility, while others who fear they could have the virus are heading to the hospital (hopefully, after calling first as recommended). Some operators have chosen to close for a while or consolidate locations. On the other hand, urgent care operators in urban, heavily affected areas …

Is Four Times a Charm for Walmart (or, Could Walmart Be a Threat to Urgent Care)?

Urgent message: It’s important for urgent care to watch and learn from Walmart, which has engaged leading retail and strategic consultants to develop “Walmart Health.” However, based on Walmart’s three previous failures to penetrate any significant share of even its own stores with a retail clinic model, skepticism over Walmart’s ability to execute as a healthcare provider is warranted. If Walmart has its way, America’s burgeoning healthcare marketplace is about to get a lot more …

COVID-19 Considerations in the Urgent Care Clinic

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has swept the country and world in rapid and unprecedented fashion. While much of the news coverage and scientific studies have focused on hospital needs and demands, as well as patient care in hospital settings, urgent care (UC) clinics remain on the front lines too. In fact, many UC clinics are seeing an increase in demand from patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Additional patient volume increases may come from changes in operations at other …

The Impact of Public Health Emergency on Revenue Cycle Management

March and April were challenging months for all of us, and the revenue cycle management arena is no exception. A few months ago, we never would have imagined that our everyday lives would grind to such a halt—from schools, sports, concerts, and events canceled to self-quarantines and stay-in-place mandates. The financial markets have lost tremendous value and many people have lost or will likely lose their jobs. In all of this craze, we have seen …

Conducting Preparticipation Sports Physicals in the Urgent Care Center

Urgent message: Youth athletic programs are ubiquitous in the United States, with leagues requiring players to have a physical exam before they’re allowed to take part. Ensuring your urgent care center is ready to be a “go to” resource for a thorough work-up increases young athletes’ chances for a safe experience and bolsters your position as a valued community health resource. INTRODUCTION Millions of juveniles participate in organized athletics the world over every year. In …

A Young Woman with Worsening Abdominal Pain

A 35-year-old woman presents with a 5-day history of worsening abdominal pain and several days of “constipation.” Review the image taken and consider what the diagnosis and next steps would be. Resolution of the case is described on the next page.

Management of Lisfranc Dislocation in the Urgent Care Center

Urgent message: Lisfranc dislocations are relatively rare, but should be on the urgent care provider’s radar in patients who refuse to bear weight and who have significant midfoot pain and swelling after an acute trauma causing hyperplantarflexion of the foot. Introduction The tarsometatarsal (TMT), or Lisfranc, joint complex is the attachment between the forefoot and midfoot. This joint is the keystone to normal foot function and is thus critical for normal gait.1 Jacques L. Lisfranc …