NEWPORT – What’s in a name change? Not much, apparently.
Samaritan Health Services on Tuesday officially dropped “Urgent Care” from its walk-in clinics in Newport, Lincoln City and across its three-county operation. They are now called Samaritan Walk-In Clinics – but nothing is changing but the name, the hospital system said.
“The decision to rename our clinics is part of a broader effort to bring consistency across the health system,” Amie Fuhrman, associate vice president of Clinic Operations for Samaritan Medical Group, said in a news release. “By aligning the names of our clinics, we are providing a more cohesive and easily recognizable brand for our patients.”
Over the next few months, building and street signs will be updated to reflect the name change. However, the health services people receive at Samaritan Walk-In Clinics will be identical to those provided when they were called urgent care clinics, Fuhrman said.
Compared to emergency departments, walk-in clinics provide a convenient option for people who are either insured or uninsured by offering lower-cost services for non-life-threatening conditions.
“Over the years, walk-in clinics have evolved from traditional urgent care centers to offer a broader range of medical services,” Fuhrman said. “In addition to treating minor injuries and illnesses, walk-in clinics provide vaccinations, preventive care and some diagnostic services including lab and X-ray. This expansion allows people to receive basic medical care in a convenient and cost-efficient manner.”
