FORT BENNING, GA – Martin Army Community Hospital’s Pediatric Respiratory Urgent Care Clinic (PRUCC) is no longer just for pediatrics. Starting Monday May 3, adults who are suffering from cold and flu symptoms can also walk-in and see a primary care provider at the newly minted Primary Cough & COVID Clinic (PC3).
“The move to PC3 will allow for more in depth evaluation and treatment of adults,” said Pediatrician Maj. Jessica Aguilar. “It will provide ease of pharmacy resources and will be more semi-permanent in structure.”
In addition to the one-stop shop for kids suffering cold and flu symptoms (testing, doctor visits and pharmacy), the PRUCC expanded drive-thru COVID testing to include adult dependents back in January. Shortly after, they opened the popular option up to active duty patients as well. But at the time, only children could walk-in and be seen inside the PRUCC, because only a pediatrician was on staff. The addition of an adult provider will finally allow PC3 to provide face to face adult urgent care visits as well.
“The [pandemic] tent [in front of the main hospital] was providing face to face care for adults who had cough and cold symptoms, but it was always designed as a temporary solution,” explained Aguilar. “Now any patient who has symptoms of upper respiratory infections (cold, flu or COVID symptoms) or exposure to someone with COVID-19, can either self-refer to PC3 … or when trying to book an appointment via the call center should be directed to PC3 instead of booking an appointment in the clinics.”
The pandemic tent will close on Friday April 23. After its closure, all non-emergent COVID testing (children, adults and active duty) will be done at PC3, building 3216 on Sandhill.
Starting Monday May 3, both adults and children suffering cold, flu or COVID symptoms can also sit down with a provider at PC3. No appointments are necessary. The provider visits will remain on a first come, first serve basis.
“If patients arrive at the hospital and endorse these symptoms either with the screeners at the door or in the respective clinics they will be evaluated to determine if they should instead be seen at PC3,” continued Aguilar. “We do not have near the resources the Emergency Department does. So anybody who feels they are seriously ill and need urgent or emergent care should seek care in the Emergency Room.”
Aguilar said the convenient walk-in option at PC3 for both adults and children will start off with one adult provider and one pediatrician. But staffing will be evaluated on a regular basis.
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