Look Who it Was Random video

Convenient Care May Fill a Gap in Care

82 views · Published 29 June 2015 · 2:14 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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Seventy-five percent of ER doctors surveyed reported an increase in patient load last year. More than half saw a large one. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way: a goal of healthcare reform was to get more people insured and reduce pressure on emergency rooms. Instead it exposed a weakness.

“A lot of people, who actually have great insurance plans, just have not for different reasons picked a primary care doctor. Many times it’s hard for them to get in just for the initial visit - maybe two or three months on the waiting list to be seen,” says Dr. Tiffani Magee, who is a family and urgent care practitioner with Lee Memorial Health System. 

Without being established with a practice, many people go to the ER for non-emergencies.

“Definitely. Now that we have a doctor shortage it’s hard to get in same day for a lot of issues that need to be seen that same day,” says Dr. Magee. 

One solution may be close to home - Convenient Care clinics are a growing trend. Open seven days a week with extended hours, walk-in practices are staffed and ready to fill a gap in care.

“Convenient care is the place to go for issues that need to be seen immediately. Such as an ear infection, sore throat, running a high fever. If you cut yourself, lacerations, even minor broken bones. We can x-ray that and also put a splint on. We see a lot of work injuries also, same day. Bladder issues, rash, bug bites . . .” says Dr. Magee. 

A long list of everyday illnesses, conditions, and injuries.  Another alternative to the ER is to hire more family doctors. Something Lee Memorial Health System is working on with its Medical Residency Program.

“Typically when residents train in a hospital, more than half of them tend to stay in that area.  They develop a practice, referrals, they understand the hospitals and so our hope is that we’ll have residents that stay in this area and provide care to the people,” says Family Practitioner with Lee Memorial Health System, Gary Goforth. 

Until then, convenient care may be the most convenient destination. 


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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