PRESS RELEASE RETAIL HEALTH CLINIC OPENS IN SOUTH PORTLAND SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, May 21, 2007 Friday afternoon, four o'clock. You think you've come down with strep throat and don't want to wait until Monday to see your doctor. Your child's daycare just informed you that your child has a fever of 101 degrees, and you know your pediatrician's office is closed for the weekend. The inconvenience of going to the emergency room, with its high co-pay and long wait is not on your list of ways to spend Friday evening. Now there is another option. At ASAP Medical Clinic in South Portland, a new walk-in health care facility, medical issues such as cuts that need stitches, sprains, eye, ear, nose or throat problems, respiratory illnesses, skin, digestive and urinary tract infections, muscle and skeletal problems and other acute medical needs can all be taken care of quickly and at a cost that is lower than an emergency room co-pay. Most visits are just $45! ASAP Medical Clinic’s mission is to offer high quality care in a convenient setting at low cost. This is especially important to people who are uninsured and under-insured, including those with Health Savings Account (HSA) insurance plans and high deductibles. ASAP Medical Clinic is part of a growing nationwide trend of what is known as retail health clinics. A new concept in the delivery of health care, retail health clinics offer highly professional health care in an acute care setting that is efficient, up to date, and convenient. Retail health clinics are a nationwide trend in the treatment of common, minor illnesses. They do not take the place of Primary Care Physicians (PCP), but augment their practices by providing services after-hours or when the PCP can not see the patient immediately. Retail health clinics are not emergency rooms, though are able to see a host of minor problems that are typically seen in an ER, but at a fraction of the cost, and with little or no wait. Most medications are just $12.50! ASAP Medical Clinic offers more than just acute care. Most prescription medications needed for the acute illness can be purchased on-site at the clinic, eliminating long waits at a pharmacy, and most medications cost just $12.50. For the patient’s convenience they also carry some common over the counter medications. Additionally, students can get physical exams required for school, sports or summer camp. All for just $45! Patients at ASAP Medical Clinics can expect top-quality care from health care professionals who have spent years in the field of medicine. ASAP Medical Clinic has been developed and is owned by two Maine family physicians, Drs. Peter N. Beeckel and Michael A. Bergeron. They have a combined experience of over 34 years in family medicine and have been practicing together for the past 10 years. They are well versed in the health care needs of Maine and have developed their model based on their extensive knowledge and experience. They have employed Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to staff the clinic. All providers are experienced in a primary care setting and well-qualified to treat any illnesses covered within the scope of the clinic. Most importantly, they know when to refer to an emergency room or to a PCP or specialist. Paired with the outstanding medical staff is the best of today's technology in a brand-new facility. ASAP Medical Clinic is totally computerized, from the registration process through check-out. A patient will self-register when they enter the clinic, and an electronic medical record is generated that can be immediately transmitted to their PCP if desired. A receipt is provided that the patient can then submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. Patients can pre-register from their home or office computer by logging onto the ASAP website, www.ASAPMedicalClinics.com. Just click on "Schedule a visit". Here they can both register securely and schedule their visit for a time that fits their schedule. Visitors to the web site can also see the activity level and current wait time of the clinic in real time! ASAP Medical Clinic is located at 209 Western Avenue in South Portland, next to Ashley Furniture. You can visit the website, www.asapmedicalclinics.com, or call 207-553-9071 for more information. ASAP Medical Clinic will hold an Open House on Sat. June 2 from 10-5. There will be on-going tours of the brand new facility, as well as informational discussions on Lyme Disease, ticks, and other warm weather ailments. Refreshments will be available, and the first 100 visitors will receive a coupon for $10 off their first visit to the clinic.