North Huntsville clinic aims to expand access to primary care
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Physician Care North Huntsville cut the ribbon Tuesday. Photo: Courtesy Huntsville Hospital
Huntsville Hospital is opening its latest primary care clinic just a stone's throw from, and in partnership with, Alabama A&M in North Huntsville.
Why it matters: The new clinic expands access to health care in a rapidly-growing area of Huntsville that has historically been underserved.
Catch up quick: Physician Care North Huntsville opens to patients June 15, though hospital leadership cut the ribbon on the 4701 Meridian Street clinic Tuesday.
- Provider and A&M alumna Tammie Smith, a physician's assistant, is leading the clinic, which includes five exam rooms and one procedure room, per an announcement.
- Patients 18 and older can get physicals, screenings, immunizations, and chronic disease management at the clinic, per HH.
What they're saying: "Access to primary care is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to the overall health of an individual, and that extends to a community," Tracy Doughty, HH president, told Axios.
- The clinic aims to get students used to going to a primary care doctor, so they'll have a habit of preventative care to stay healthy, he said.
- It's also increasing access to the North Huntsville community, he said, breaking down barriers and providing access for locals who may have transportation limitations.
Zoom in: North Huntsville is "at the top of the list," of areas in the city the hospital is focusing on, Doughty said, due to its growth, lack of providers and disparities in health care for African Americans.
- Also in the works is the reportedly $50-million Emergency Department and imaging center, set to be up and running in 18 months, he said.
- And when the new provider clinic fills up, the hospital will start looking at additional locations, Doughty added.
The big picture: North Huntsville is seeing plenty of development from the opening of the Northern Bypass to the $240-million North Village Town Center set to bring Target and Home Depot, and more.