NMHS opens clinic in Oxford Walmart [Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo]

Nov. 30--OXFORD -- North Mississippi Clinics, LLC has opened its second Walmart-based walk-in clinic. The Tupelo-based health care corporation held a grand opening Tuesday at the Walmart Supercenter in Oxford, following a similar one in Columbus that opened a year ago.

"The Clinic at Walmart" is open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. A host of routine conditions from earaches and upper respiratory infections to urinary infections and sprains are treated for a flat fee. Prices for services are clearly marked in the waiting area.

"The objective with Walmart is up-front pricing, clear and convenient quality care," said Karen Windle, who manages both locations. "Everything we do is [on the price board], so there aren't guessing games."

David Barber, CEO of North Mississippi Medical Clinics, said one objective is to keep price from being a barrier to health care.

"We're focused on providing high-quality, convenient health care that's affordable," he said. "More and more, particularly with the challenges in the economy, people that need care are delaying care. When they do delay it, it's not good for anybody. They end up sicker, and it typically costs more."

Part of a growing trend in health care, the clinic will be staffed by family nurse practitioners Merilyn Charlton and Angela Clegg with off-site supervision by physicians Mona Castle and Thomas Glasgow.

"Right now, access to health care is limited," Clegg said. "We're opening up that door to give more access to health care. If I need something from Dr. Glasgow, he's there."

"A lot of people who aren't going to go to a primary-care physician and don't have insurance will come in and see us," Clegg said.

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