November 5, 2004, Mesa, Arizona.  The last thing patients want when they aren’t feeling well is to sit in a doctor’s office waiting for medical attention.  Luckily, patients in Arizona no longer have to worry about long wait times…at NextCare Urgent Care the doctors wait for them!   NextCare’s innovative call ahead scheduling program will virtually eliminate waiting times by allowing patients to schedule an appointment either on-line or by dialing the toll free number, for treatment at any of the twelve (12) locations throughout Arizona. 

Patients can utilize the new service by calling 1-800-NEXTCARE (800-639-8227) or by logging on to the NextCare website at www.nextcare.com.  Either option takes just a few moments and provides patients the option of requesting an appointment time or location of choice.  Once the appointment is confirmed, the patient can expect an exam room ready just for them.  To further expedite their care, patients can also complete their registration and medical history form online.

“I was very happy because I knew what to expect and knew they were expecting me,” quoting NextCare’s first patient to utilize the new call ahead scheduling service.  “I logged onto the website, scheduled my appointment and filled out the registration form, all on-line!  I was very pleased with the ease of the process,” stated the Chandler, Arizona woman.

“The addition of this state of the art service has been a year-long endeavor involving the entire NextCare team.  I am thrilled with its design and efficiency,” stated John Shufeldt, MD, CEO and Founder of NextCare Urgent Care.  He went on to say, “Health care institutions need to imitate other service sectors by continually exploring ways to both involve the consumer and streamline processes; call ahead scheduling at NextCare, accomplishes both!”

NextCare Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, evenings and holidays.  The facilities are equipped to handle a variety of ailments including sprains, strains, pneumonia, abdominal pain, cold and cough, flu and lacerations.  NextCare also provides drug screens, physicals and treatment for occupational injuries.

About NextCare Urgent Care
NextCare Urgent Care is a leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine services in the Southwest.  NextCare owns and operates 10 facilities in Arizona, with 2 additional locations expected to open by year end 2004.  The company is expanding to Colorado, with 4 locations under development.  The NextCare team is committed to providing high quality, affordable healthcare every day of the year and is currently pursuing plans for further expansion. 

For more information about NextCare and its services, please contact:
Kelly Kimble, at 1-800-NEXTCARE