St. Luke’s Magic Valley Quick Care opened in January 2013 out of a need for a low-cost, high-value alternative to the emergency department. Too many parents, busy office workers and other residents were visiting the ED for the types of needs better treated in a more appropriate setting.
The clinic has proved to be a hit, so much so that on many days, there is a small crowd waiting for the team to open the doors, and the clinic has seen consistent growth. In 2013, there were 12,000 visits, and in 2018, there were 22,000 visits.
Demand has driven an expansion of services; there are now two or three urgent care-exclusive providers in the clinic per day.
And as of April 28, St. Luke’s Quick Care is expanding its hours. The clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, adjusted for certain holidays.
Urgent care services are available without an appointment.
Adjacent to the St. Luke’s Magic Valley hospital, the clinic is an ideal care setting for minor illnesses such as ear infections, sore throats, fevers, coughs, respiratory illness, vomiting, diarrhea, and urinary infection; minor injuries such as fractures, sprains, and lacerations; minor work injuries; and follow-up for suture removals or wound checks, along with offering flu shots.
“This is an exciting change for our community,” said Dr. Martha Taylor, St. Luke’s Magic Valley Quick Care medical director and St. Luke’s Health System medical director for urgent cares.
“It will allow a more cohesive and efficient approach to patient care within St. Luke’s medical home, decrease emergency room utilization for low-acuity visits and additionally, offer a convenient location where patients can receive high-quality, low-cost medical care.”
Since joining the team in January 2019, Dr. Taylor has worked to standardize and define urgent care practice, scope and workflows and protocols. Her work is helping to shape a blueprint for urgent care services across St. Luke’s Health System.
“Best practice” features include optimized use of the common electronic health records platform, and a flexible staffing model.
“I look forward to seeing the beneficial challenges to our work and finding ways to enhance our clinical quality and excellence,” Dr. Taylor said.
St. Luke’s Quick Care is located at 775 Pole Line Road West, Suite 101, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.
For more information, call 208-814-8375 or visit the site page.
Michelle Bartlome is the public relations manager at St. Luke's Magic Valley.