PAPILLION, Neb. (KMTV) — If you're feeling sick, COVID-19 related or not, Urgent Care of Papillion is open, and doing their best to make your visit as safe and convenient as possible.
Healthcare workers are busier than ever, but for some private clinics like Urgent Care of Papillion near 72nd and Giles Road, that's not the case.
"Surprisingly, a new illness caused our business to go down so we're down probably 40% in business," said. Dr. Pete Crane. "I think people are a little hesitant coming into a medical facility, assuming that there's a higher risk of contracting it here. There is probably less of a risk of contracting it here, because we take so many precautions and wipe down things so often. I think probably going to the grocery is more higher risk than coming here."
Crane and his staff tend to illnesses and injuries that are non-life threatening like colds, bone fractures and family practice. But with less people coming in for those everyday illness or injuries, Crane is worried about the longevity of this.
"I like to think of our business as being built like a pyramid with a solid base and able to withstand the storm," he said. "This has made me feel like the pyramid turned the pyramid upside down and kicked the bottom block from underneath it so it's been kind of a struggle."
Crane said the clinic is trying to limit its expenses so no employees are laid off.
"I don't anticipate that we will," Crane said. "Some of the staff, if it hasn't been busy, they're voluntarily taken off, and we really appreciate that."
Staff is taking all precautions possible to ensure all patients are safe when visiting the clinic, especially since they offer COVID-19 testing.
"If they suspect they have COVID, we try to keep all those people out of the building so we don't infect the building," Crane said.
The staff is dressed in full gear when dealing with patients.
"N95 masks, we wear goggles, we wear some type of protective gown over our clothing, we wear gloves, " Crane said. "There's specific guidelines on how to put that stuff on and how to take it off, and a lot of hand sanitizer. We use Clorox wipes on any surfaces that we think are potentially infected."
They are even offering drive up services during this time.
For those needing to come inside, there are signs everywhere indicating to keep social distancing.
"Our waiting room typically has 4-6 people, but right now it's nearly empty," Crane said. "We'll try to call people from their automobile, let them walk right through the building, not touch anything, take them straight into the exam room and evaluate them there."
They also are offering tele-med services over the phone.
LOCATION:
8419 S. 73rd Plaza #101, Papillion, NE 68046
HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 8AM - 8PM
Saturday - Sunday: 9AM - 5PM
CONTACT:
402-991-9060
ADJUSTED SERVICES:
Drive up, curbside, Telemedicine, and in-person per appointment
