By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

IN THE mainland, one of the hottest healthcare business trends nowadays is the so-called “convenience medicine” or “retail health” — a business model offering highly accessible clinics in retail locations with high foot traffic.
These clinics may be located in relatively affluent areas, or increasingly, in areas where large numbers of under- or uninsured people shop.
Some examples of companies providing these accessible services include California’s QuickHealth, nationwide MinuteClinic, Oregon’s ZoomCare, and Arizona’s MediMin.
This concept can now be found on Guam with the opening of the new ExpressCare Clinic in the Micronesia Mall.
The ExpressCare Clinic represents the latest trend of “mall healthcare” already being offered in many U.S. cities, as well as in Manila and Singapore.
The clinic’s mission is to offer high-quality, affordable healthcare for routine conditions and preventive care with no waiting and no appointments necessary.
For example, the ExpressCare Clinic can take care of many minor health problems such as sore throats, coughs, and earaches.
Routine screening such as pap smears will also be offered, as well as work and school physicals.
In addition, the clinic has a strong focus on cosmetic skin care. Many simple skin problems such as acne, fungal infections, and eczema can also be taken care of. Offerings include Botox injections for wrinkles, permanent laser hair removal, and laser skin rejuvenation treatments.
ExpressCare is also unique in that it does not take any commercial or government health insurance and the clinic will see any patient over the age of 2.
“We are very efficient as a fully computerized and paperless office. We don’t have the expense of employing billing staff and doing the paperwork that goes along with the insurance company reimbursements. That way, we can keep our prices low,” says Dr. Jitka Lom, medical director of the clinic.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a typical retail health clinic visit averages $49, versus a physician’s office visit of between $85 and $110 for the same condition.
At ExpressCare, payment is by cash or credit card at the time of treatment. However, patients are given a form with their receipt and are encouraged to seek reimbursement from their insurance company depending on their plan.
The clinic, located across from KB Toys in the Micronesia Mall, is open during mall hours and is staffed by local board certified family physician Dr. Jitka Lom and Alison Heacock, physician’s assistant.