PHILADELPHIA – Drexel University College of Medicine and the College of Nursing & Health Professions have opened the Drexel Convenient Care Center at the Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia.

Officials say the medical facility will provide fast, convenient medical care to working professionals, residents and visitors in Center City.

The medical and nursing schools will collaborate to provide patient care through nurse practitioners with a physician medical director available daily. Patients can walk in from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for basic medical care without an appointment.

“Working professionals are discovering that it’s increasingly difficult to find the time for even routine healthcare, such as blood pressure screenings and flu shots,” said Howard Miller, MD, senior associate dean of clinical affairs at the Drexel University College of Medicine. “Our convenient location offers many Center City workers high quality, cost-effective care within blocks of their office.”

Officials say the Drexel Convenient Care Center will treat anyone 18 and older with medical insurance or the ability to pay a $65 visit fee. Many insurance plans only require the patient to pay the insurance co-pay. The center will specialize in treating basic medical conditions. Patients will be referred to nearby Drexel specialists as needed for more serious illnesses and tests.

“We believe it will provide a needed service as many people neglect their health simply because they can’t find the time to seek care,” said Gloria Donnelly, PhD, RN, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

This is the first medical center with a doctor on staff in Philadelphia, but they are a growing trend across the country. In 2006 there were 62 retail medical facilities in the nation; there are currenlty 1,250 centers in 32 states.