 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| For Media Information: |
|
Susan Oakland
713-523-7900, ext. 105
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Step-by-Step Plan to Determine Health
Risk and Encourage Positive Lyfestyle Changes
HOUSTON (August 7, 2007) – RediClinic LLC
announced today that it is offering a convenient new low-cost program
to help consumers determine their risk for heart disease. Available
at RediClinics in Wal-Mart and H-E-B stores in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and
Virginia, the “Cholesterol Challenge” includes the most accurate
and comprehensive cholesterol screening available, a health risk assessment and
health counseling from a certified nurse practitioner.
High cholesterol is manageable, but when ignored can lead to serious
health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), high blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease,
the leading cause of death in the U. S. An estimated 107 million
American adults have total blood cholesterol levels above the desirable
range. The National Cholesterol
Education Program recommends that adults have their cholesterol levels checked
at least every five years, but a high percentage of Americans report they have
never had a cholesterol test
“There is a critical need for consumers to gain easier
access to affordable preventive services such as screening for high
cholesterol,” said Web Golinkin, president and chief executive
officer of RediClinic LLC. “Although high cholesterol does
not cause any symptoms, it can have an adverse impact on overall
health. Consumers need to know their numbers so they can take
remedial action, if necessary.”
The “Cholesterol Challenge” is available at three
levels, none of which require fasting. The Instant “Cholesterol
Challenge,” offering three steps in 15 minutes for only $5,
provides a quick total cholesterol check, as well as a health risk
assessment conducted by a RediClinic certified nurse practitioner.
Based on the results of the total cholesterol test and health risk
assessment, the nurse practitioner may also recommend the more advanced “Cholesterol
Challenge Plus,” which includes the VAP® test, the most accurate and
comprehensive cholesterol test available today, measuring 15 separate components
of blood cholesterol as opposed to four in a standard test. In addition,
the patient receives two counseling sessions with the RediClinic nurse practitioner
and a diet and exercise log to keep track of and reinforce lifestyle changes
that may be indicated. The VAP test alone usually costs $150 in other healthcare
outlets, but the entire program is available at RediClinic for only $49.
The “Cholesterol Challenge Premium” program includes
everything available in the Plus plan and two additional tests. The
C-Reactive Protein test measures low-level inflammation, an indicator
of heart disease, and the Homocysteine test screens for risk factors
that could lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s
and dementia. The VAP test with the two additional tests usually costs $350 in
other healthcare outlets, but the entire program is available at RediClinic for
only $89.
Patients who are determined to have out-of-range cholesterol levels are referred
to their primary care physicians for ongoing care. If a patient does not
have a regular physician, the RediClinic nurse practitioner will help them find
one.
RediClinics are in-store healthcare facilities that offer consumers easy access
to high-quality, routine medical services at affordable prices. RediClinics
are staffed by certified nurse practitioners who work with local physicians to
diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for common medical conditions, such
as earaches, strep throat and upper respiratory infections. They also administer
a wide range of preventive services, including health screenings, flu shots and
other vaccinations, and back-to-school physical exams.
RediClinics are open seven days a week (including most holidays)
and offer extended hours on weekdays. Adults and children over age
two are welcome, no appointments are necessary and a typical visit
takes about 15 minutes.
RediClinic uses a proprietary electronic medical record system to
document and guide patient visits. This system ensures patient suitability
to RediClinic’s limited scope of practice and facilitates continuity
of care when other clinicians are involved. Patients who cannot
be treated at RediClinic, or who need ongoing treatment, are referred
to their primary care provider, if they have one, or to other physicians
in their communities.
RediClinic visits are covered by the four largest commercial health
insurance carriers – CIGNA, Aetna, Humana and UnitedHealthcare – as
well as by Medicare and a growing number of regional carriers. Those
who are covered by health plans that do not currently have agreements
with RediClinic receive specially-formatted receipts that can be
filed for possible reimbursement.
RediClinic operates 17 locations in H-E-B stores in Houston, Austin
and San Antonio, Texas; 13 locations in Wal-Mart stores in Tulsa,
Okla., Fayetteville and Rogers, Ark., and Richmond, Va.; and 16 clinics
located in Walgreens stores in Atlanta, Ga. Additional RediClinics
are scheduled to open throughout 2007.
For a complete list of locations, services, prices and additional
information on RediClinic, visit www.rediclinic.com.
Revolution Clinics, an affiliate of the Revolution Health Group, a company created
by AOL co-founder Steve Case, is RediClinic LLC’s largest investor and
is providing the capital to support the national rollout of RediClinic LLC.
RediClinic LLC
Since 1989, RediClinic (formerly known as InterFit Health) has
provided people with easy access to high-quality, affordable healthcare
services. Today the company is a leader in convenient care and is
the largest provider of retail health screening services in the United
States. The company also provides health screenings, flu shots and
other health-related services to major employers. For more information,
visit .
Revolution Clinics
Revolution Clinics is an affiliate of Revolution Health Group,
a leading consumer-centric health company. Revolution Health strives
to empower consumers by putting them at the center of the health system,
building innovative health-related companies through investments,
acquisitions and partnerships. The company’s strategy is to
create businesses and products that provide greater consumer choice,
control and convenience in three key healthcare sectors affected by
the rapid growth of the Internet and defined-contribution health plans:
content, coverage and care.
|
|
