Word spreading about Franciscan Point EXPRESSCare

Patient visits up 130 percent since Saint Anthony Medical Center satellite opens in August

CROWN POINT EXPRESSCare is on the fast track of providing quality services for patients at the new Franciscan Point Saint Anthony Health Complex.

EXPRESSCare, which offers immediate care for non-life-threatening cases, has seen a 130 percent increase in daily patient visits since it opened in August as a branch of Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Dr. Daniel Netluch, St. Anthony chief of emergency services, credits “the highly trained physicians and quality of care” for the rise.

“I am pleased with the progress being made, thanks to an awareness campaign,” he says, adding patient satisfaction and word-of-mouth also account for the boost in visits.

“Word-of-mouth accounts for approximately one-third of the referrals to EXPRESSCare. We are seeing repeat patients and many new patients who are being referred by family and friends,” Netluch says.

No appointment is needed at EXPRESSCare, which is staffed by board-certified physicians and treats a variety of ailments, among them flu, colds, fevers, sprains, strains, nausea and lacerations. Among the most common cases being treated are muscular and skeletal injuries.

“Some involve men in their 30s who are participating in recreational basketball leagues,” Netluch says, adding winter weather likewise brings a jump in cases involving falls, fractures, sprains and back discomfort.

EXPRESSCare also treats patients who are unable to get an appointment with their regular doctor. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Saint Anthony physicians and technicians rotate shifts between EXPRESSCare and the Medical Center’s Emergency Department.

“They are proud of the ability to surpass the rest of their competitors in quality patient care and lower overall patient cost,” Netluch says. “In case more urgent care is needed, doctors are able to provide the proper transfer to Saint Anthony Medical Center’s Emergency Department, keeping patient health care as their highest priority.”

Franciscan Point, a $38 million project that occupies 81 acres along U.S. 231, just east of Interstate 65, recently received an Award of Merit for design and workmanship from Midwest Construction, a regional trade publication.

EXPRESSCare hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, call (219) 662-5700.