Aetna offers access to emergency medicine doctors and comprehensive medical treatments for both minor and serious high-acuity medical cases. Members who use the center will be charged an urgent care co-payment, as opposed to the considerably more expensive emergency room co-payment.

In addition to its staff of emergency medicine doctors, Crucial Care offers radiology services, including CT and ultrasound capability, and a lab capable of running acute tests. The facility works with physicians to directly admit patients to the hospital when appropriate, and also will set up appointments for follow-up care within the Aetna network.

Mike Shumer, president of Crucial Care, said: “Aetna understands the value in the services we are able to provide. They are fundamentally focused on improving the healthcare system, and this agreement is a validation that we are both making great progress.”

Tom Nasby, head of network operations for the Jacksonville market at Aetna, said: “Crucial Care is an important addition to our North Florida network. Their experience in handling urgent-care cases will help our members receive quality care at a significantly lower cost than going to a hospital emergency room.

“There are several serious conditions that, while needing immediate attention, can be more efficiently managed in an urgent care setting. Crucial Care has demonstrated the ability to handle those patients efficiently and with excellent health outcomes.”

Will the contract help Aetna in providing urgent care services?

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