Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors! But before you head out, it’s important to take precautions and protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays. Here are some ExperTIPS to keep in mind:

1. Wear Protective Clothing
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from UV rays is to wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims. Look for clothing made with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, which is specifically designed to block out UV rays.

2. Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have when spending time outdoors.

According to the CDC’s Sun Safety information it is recommended that you put on broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

SPF: Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they filter out UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.

Reapplication: Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date: Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

3. Seek Shade
When possible, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re at the beach or pool, consider bringing an umbrella or setting up under a shady tree.

4. Wear Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block out 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when spending time outdoors. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you and drink regularly to stay hydrated.

By following these UV safety tips, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful sun rays.

While we hope you won’t need us, we’re here for you throughout the summer. ExperCARE is open 7 days a week, extended hours, and we treat all ages. Stay safe and have fun!

Did you know that May is Urgent Care Awareness Month? This month, we recognize the importance of urgent care centers in providing timely and convenient medical care to patients.

Urgent care centers, such as ExperCARE, are facilities that provide medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are a great alternative to emergency rooms, which can often have long wait times and high costs. Urgent care centers are typically open outside of regular business hours, making them a convenient option for patients who need medical attention quickly. All ExperCARE centers are open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. No appointment is ever needed, however, you can book ahead for your convenience at any ExperCARE location!

During Urgent Care Awareness Month, it’s important to remember the benefits of these facilities. They offer a wide range of medical services, including treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, X-rays, lab testing, and vaccinations. Additionally, they often have shorter wait times than emergency rooms and are more affordable than traditional medical facilities. At ExperCARE, most all patients are in and out in less than 60 minutes!

Urgent care centers can be especially beneficial for those who do not have a primary care physician or who need medical attention when their doctor’s office is closed. They are also a great option for those who need medical attention while traveling or who are unable to get an appointment with their regular doctor. Urgent Cares bridge the gap between primary care and emergency care, offering a crucial resource for individuals in need of immediate attention.

At ExperCARE, patients can use their insurance or we offer affordable cash pay options.

Urgent Care Awareness Month is a reminder of the important role that urgent care centers play in providing accessible and affordable medical care to patients. If you or a loved one needs medical attention for a non-life-threatening condition, consider visiting an ExperCARE today and see why we’re the regions most-loved, first-choice, for on-demand healthcare.

STATESBORO, GA. – ExperCARE, the award-winning southeast regional leader in urgent care medicine, celebrated the opening of its Statesboro, GA Urgent Care with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 18th. Conveniently located next to Publix at 121 Tormenta Way, the brand new, state of the art facility is open 7 days a week, extended hours, accepts insurance and all ages, making it a no-brainer for residents and visitors in Bulloch County and surrounding areas. In addition, ExperCARE recently announced the addition of Coy Watkins, MSPAS, PA-C and Sebrina Watkins, MSPA, PA-C to the team as its Statesboro providers.

“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to provide the community with top-quality healthcare by providers they can trust,” said Founder & CEO Catherine Grant. “We consider it a privilege to have this opportunity to open in Statesboro and our team is excited to serve you.”

ExperCARE has four other award-winning locations including Richmond Hill, Savannah-Mall Boulevard, Historic Savannah, and Pooler.

ABOUT EXPERCARE:
ExperCARE has convenient locations across the Greater Savannah area, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, and locations opening soon in Hinesville, and Rincon. As the shortage of primary care providers grows and ER’s are over-capacity, on-demand healthcare provides a solution that serves your busy life. ExperCARE is an award-winning healthcare center, offering access to urgent care, routine care and occupational health, 7 days a week, extended hours to all ages. ExperCARE offers a full-scope of services including digital x-ray, labs and MORE. ExperCARE is in-network with all major insurance providers, and you never need an appointment. ExperCARE is the southeast regions most-loved solution for on-demand healthcare. Experience the healthcare model of the future; experience the ExperCARE difference!

ExperCARE Health Opens Urgent Care in Statesboro, GA Next to Publix

STATESBORO, GA. – ExperCARE Health, the award-winning southeast regional leader in urgent care medicine, opened its doors on Monday, April 24, 2023, next to the new Publix in Statesboro. ExperCARE is well-known in the greater Savannah area as the go-to place for on-demand healthcare. Conveniently located at 121 Tormenta Way, the brand new, state of the art facility is open 7 days a week, extended hours, accepts insurance and all ages, making it a no-brainer for the residents and visitors of fast-growing Bulloch County.

“When we founded ExperCARE 14 years ago in Richmond Hill, GA, we envisioned a healthcare model that provided convenience and access to top-quality medical care, close to home,” said Founder & CEO Catherine Grant. “Today, consumer needs have evolved and never has our time been more valuable. Access to high-quality healthcare you can trust is integral to overall community health. The ExperCARE model offers healthcare on your terms, so you can spend your valuable time where it matters most. We are thrilled to become a community contributor here in Statesboro!”

ExperCARE has four other award-winning locations including Richmond Hill, Savannah-Mall Boulevard, Historic Savannah, and Pooler.

Stay tuned for a grand opening celebration announcement!

ABOUT EXPERCARE HEALTH:
ExperCARE Health has convenient locations across the Greater Savannah area, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, and locations opening soon in Hinesville and Rincon. As the shortage of primary care providers grows and ER’s are over-capacity, on-demand healthcare provides a solution that serves your busy life. ExperCARE is an award-winning healthcare center, offering access to urgent care, routine care and occupational health, 7 days a week, extended hours to all ages. ExperCARE offers a full-scope of services including digital x-ray, labs and MORE. ExperCARE is in-network with all major insurance providers, and you never need an appointment. ExperCARE is the southeast regions most-loved solution for on-demand healthcare. Experience the healthcare model of the future; experience the ExperCARE difference!
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This month, ExperCARE Founder and CEO, Catherine Grant, had the opportunity to speak with Pooler Magazine to share how ExperCARE is transforming the future of healthcare, company growth, and serving the community. Read more below!

Story:

Catherine Grant, founder and CEO of ExperCARE, is changing the way healthcare is done in the greater Savannah area. She has a mind for seeing what could be and taking the steps to make it happen.

“I love medicine because I love solving complex problems,” Catherine says. “I love the ability to problem solve, apply what I know, understand people and develop relationships, and then try to leave things better than I found them.”

Beginnings in Medicine

Catherine started college at Armstrong Atlantic State University in 1999 with the plan to attend medical school but when she discovered the physician assistant field, she knew that was what she wanted to do. The career path allowed her to work in a variety of specialties instead of a single focus and provided the work-life balance for a future family.

She attended South University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and then onto The Medical University of South Carolina and graduated with honors with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

After working as a physician assistant (PA) in a number of specialties including plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation and moonlighting in urgent care, Catherine knew she wanted to do things differently.  She envisioned an customer-focused model and refused  to settle for mediocrity.

“Working in the healthcare system is what inspired me to start my own business,” Catherine says. “I’ve never done well in an environment that was just aiming to be a seven.”

The Growth of ExperCARE

In June 2009, Catherine and her partner opened the first location of ExperCARE in Richmond Hill under the original business name The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill.

“Our initial tagline was about providing access to high quality health care close to home,” Catherine says. “While a lot has changed with the business in almost 14 years, I have to say that primary mission still stands.”

Their community-focused approach to care with on-demand availability proved to be popular with patients in Richmond Hill. The clinic quickly expanded its services beyond urgent care to include walk-in routine care and occupational health.

With rave reviews coming from the Richmond Hill location, it was only a matter of time before people in Savannah began asking Catherine when there would be a location closer to their home.

In 2016, that idea became a reality with the opening of the Mall Boulevard location of ExperCARE in Savannah. In 2020, they opened a downtown Savannah location and in 2022 added a fourth location in Pooler. Their growth continues with locations in Statesboro, Hinesville and Rincon opening later this year.

“With the growth in Pooler and how many people are flocking to the area, we knew it was going to be important for us to have a presence there because there’s nothing like ExperCARE there,” Catherine says. “I’m pretty grateful for the ability to continue to grow at the pace we have while retaining the things that people love about ExperCARE.”

The ExperCARE Experience

ExperCARE’s mission was born out of a rejection of the cookie-cutter approach to care and an emphasis on creating a patient-first experience enhanced by technology.

“Consumer desires are changing. People don’t want to have to take off from work to go to the doctor,” Catherine says. “They want to be able to go before or after work or on the weekends. They want to live life on their terms.”

Patients never need an appointment to visit ExperCARE, and all four locations are open seven days a week to accommodate busy schedules. ExperCARE is in network with most insurance but also offers affordable, transparent self-pay rates.

“[I think people choose ExperCARE] because we are so focused on how we make people feel. Our aim is for them to leave and say ‘I’d be crazy to go anywhere else,’” Catherine says.

ExperCARE went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were one of the first providers to offer COVID testing in the area, and worked hard to keep a consistent supply of tests and PPE even through supply shortages. Catherine takes pride in her team’s performance and dedication to the community during those uncertain times.

“I’m proud of my team’s ability to adapt and navigate in a dynamic, ever-changing environment and seeing my team step up and continue to do whatever it takes,” Catherine says.

Heart of a Leader

Catherine taught future PAs at South University for several years. Although she no longer teaches (there), she has had the pleasure of having some former students work at ExperCARE as part of their professional journey.

“Seeing smart, eager minds come together and being able to pour into them as they learn and grow is just one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done,” Catherine says. “Seeing them years later practicing medicine and changing lives and thinking you maybe even had the smallest part in that is really cool.”

From nine employees at the start to approximately 70 today, Catherine has built a team that reflects the ExperCARE values both personally and professionally.

“For any position, it’s really looking at our culture and the DNA of our organization. Our organizational values are integrity, compassion, enthusiasm, leadership and teamwork,” Catherine says. “Those values are that unchanging pillar to our overall culture.”

She places a high value on professional development with an onboarding process that includes some required reading of books about leadership, and twice yearly team gatherings build morale among the staff.

“It’s all about really getting to know the people you work with and understanding what their goals are and how we can help them get there,” Catherine says. “Sometimes that’s going to be in our organization. Sometimes we’re a stepping stone to a future goal. I think the more you can embrace that and really serve them, they will continue to serve our patients, their families and the community.”

Serving the Community

Catherine makes a difference in her community through her involvement in organizations like United Way of the Coastal Empire, where she is a member of the Board of Directors and has been recognized as part of the organization’s Women Who Rule campaign. She is also a board member of the Richmond Hill Downtown Development Authority, forging public-private partnerships to enhance the area’s economy.

Because of the drive and passion that she puts behind the causes she cares about, Catherine is a prolific fundraiser. In 2017, she chaired the Bryan County United Way annual campaign and shattered their fundraising record. She has also raised more than $63,000 for Alzheimer’s research as a participant in the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia in 2015.

She has continued to be involved with Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia as a committee member, partner and as a pro dancer.

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She and her family attend Compassion Christian Church, and her faith drives her decision making process in choosing causes to be involved with and her philosophy in patient care.

Looking to the Future

As ExperCARE continues to grow, so too does Catherine’s motivation to make an impact on the healthcare industry as an entrepreneur.

“I get motivated when I see how broken the healthcare system is,” Catherine says. “There’s so much room for improvement. It just takes people who know the system to think outside the box and be willing to innovate and make it better.”

 

View Pooler Magazine HERE!

This past week, ExperCARE Founder and CEO, Catherine Grant was featured on WTOC.

Article: Urgent cares see increase in patients due to high wait times at emergency rooms

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – Emergency rooms in our area are being overwhelmed with patients every day.

WTOC checked in with urgent care providers to see how this is affecting them.

The CEO of Expercare said their urgent care facilities in Bryan and Chatham counties saw a surge of patients during peak COVID times but now they’re starting to see a normal influx of patients walking through their doors.

Catherine Grant says everyone can help with high emergency room wait times by coming to urgent cares when experiencing minor issues.

She says they can see anywhere from 30 to 100 patients a day but wait times in the urgent cares are much shorter than in emergency rooms.

She says any time you’ve been in a trauma related accident or feel like you have a life-threatening emergency you should go to the hospital.

“If you’ve got sudden loss of vision or sudden vision changes or sudden stumbling, something that’s indicating something going on in the brain. Sub sternal chest pain that radiating to the shoulder and concerns for that potentially being a heart attack,” said Grant.

She says it’s vital the community works together during this healthcare crisis.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

LINK: https://www.wtoc.com/2023/02/17/urgent-cares-see-increase-patients-due-high-wait-times-emergency-rooms/

ExperCARE Founder and CEO, Catherine Grant, was recently featured on ChooseSAV.org sharing why ExperCARE continues to be your most-loved, first-choice for on-demand healthcare.

ExperCARE is the Urgent Care of Choice in the Coastal Georgia Region

Year after year, ExperCARE Health has been voted the best urgent care center of choice by Coastal Georgia community members and was most recently awarded Best Urgent Care in Connect Savannah and Savannah Magazine’s healthcare category, as well as, Best Doctor of Occupational Medicine in Savannah Magazine.

So what is the ExperCARE difference?

ExperCARE’s practices truly stem from its mission, which is to provide top-quality, customer-centric healthcare that is convenient, consistent, and efficient. The medical care centers are locally owned and operated with locations in downtown Savannahoff Mall Boulevard, in Richmond Hill, and in Pooler.

Catherine C. Grant is the Founder of ExperCARE. Grant founded ExperCARE as The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill in 2009 and has grown the practice into four facilities as the company’s CEO. ExperCARE is also in the process of opening facilities in Statesboro and Rincon.

“When I founded ExperCARE, I did so knowing I wanted to build a new healthcare model and transform the future of healthcare. I believe in a model where patients can be seen quickly, receive top-quality care, and leave with a clear understanding of their situation,” said Grant. “As we continue to grow and expand access to ExperCARE clinics, we strive to become your most-loved, first-choice for on-demand healthcare.”

ExperCARE is open seven days a week with extended hours. You never need an appointment, but patients have the convenience of booking ahead should they choose. ExperCARE is in network with most major insurances. They also accept patients without health insurance and offer fair, cash-pay prices.

Of its dedicated work, ExperCARE says, “We envision a simplified healthcare model that provides access, transparency and a seamless transaction to consumers. For our team, being the change we believe in allows us to make a meaningful difference today and be a solution for the future. At ExperCARE, our values of Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Enthusiasm and Leadership are at the heart of everything that we do, and we are committed to expanding our reach as the region’s most-loved, first choice for on-demand healthcare!”

You can see a full list of ExperCARE’s services by visiting their website at https://expercarehealth.com/.

Click HERE to visit ChooseSAV.org.

February is American Heart Month. This month marks a month to raise awareness of the risks of Heart disease, promote easy ways people can focus on their heart health, and advocate cardiovascular health. As a part of American Heart Month, ExperCARE will feature several recipes throughout the month from the American Heart Association. Up first, a fan favorite…

American Heart Association Recipe

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with homemade Potato Chips

Ingredients

Servings  6

For the BBQ Sauce and Sandwiches:

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened, plain applesauce
  • 2 tablespoon sugar-free peach preserves
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12 whole-wheat slider buns
  • 12 slices thinly sliced green apple (about 1 apple)
  • 12 slices thinly sliced red onion (about 1/2 an onion)

For the Homemade Potato Chips:

  • 1 medium Idaho baking potato
  • non-stick Cooking spray
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 baking sheets
  • parchment paper

For the Pulled Pork:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 1/2-3 pound lean, cut pork loin roast (all visible fat discarded)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened, plain applesauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 small onion (coarsely chopped)

Directions

For the BBQ Sauce and Sandwiches:

  1. Whisk together applesauce, preserves, chili powder and vinegar to make BBQ sauce.
  2. Toss sauce with pulled pork. Fill each slider bun with about 1/4 cup pork, apple slices and red onion slices.

For the Homemade Potato Chips:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Slice potato as thinly as possible, into about 1/8 inch thin slices.
  3. Place one sheet of parchment paper on one of the baking sheets. Spray evenly with cooking spray and place one layer of potato slices. Spray another coat of cooking spray over the potatoes. Place another sheet of parchment paper. Turn the other baking sheet upside down on top of the baking sheet with the potatoes.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover top baking sheet and parchment paper, sprinkle with pepper and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  5. Remove any chips that begin to turn too brown before the 15 minutes is over. Let cool and serve with pork sliders.

For the Pulled Pork:

  1. In a small bowl, combine thyme, garlic powder, 1 tsp. chili powder, paprika and pepper. Rub evenly over pork. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, honey, chicken broth and water. In crock-pot, scatter onions to cover the bottom of dish. Place pork on top of onion and pour applesauce mixture over pork. Cook on low setting for 6-7 hours.
  3. Remove meat from crock-pot and discard remaining cooking liquid. When cool enough to touch, shred pork by hand or with two forks, discarding any fat and/or bones. (Optional- remove onions with serrated spoon).

An article from Reflections Richmond Hill, Spring 2022 Issue

WORDS BY DR. JAY JAY HENDRIX  PHOTOS BY ERIN HIXSON PHOTOGRAPHY

My heroes make waves. They have common attributes: brave, resourceful, yet humble – living as if rules are “guidelines” and traditional roles are to be challenged. As a consequence, they’re amusingly misunderstood.

Who inspires you?
A family member, neighbor, celebrity, or teacher? Perhaps a parent who set a standard and held you to it? People with traits you admire and aspire to imitate?

Catherine Grant’s mother emphasized one of the same valuable lessons for her daughter as my dad did for me: Never need to depend on someone to take care of you. No doubt, given her example, her daughters will perfect this strength.

Raising three daughters is an enormous challenge in itself. Ask me how I know. When considering the possibilities for Catherine’s girls, a familiar saying comes to mind, “If you see her, you can be her.” Little girls need examples in a variety of roles to know they have options. Sometimes rather than plotting a course for us to follow, the people we admire inspire us instead on an uncharted journey.

“Who inspired you?” I asked.

Encircled by stacks upon stacks of books confirming her thirst for growth, Catherine answered without a second of hesitation, “My mom.”

She vividly described an iconic mother-figure, content to earn the “degree of Mrs.,” required to shift direction by a marriage that didn’t work, a twist among many that would set the foundation for the building of her daughter’s tenacity. Beyond the quintessential story of a mom needing to work with her child in tow, the stage was set for an inquisitive daughter to inherit a relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence. Catherine was eight when her mother re-married. Poppy, as he was lovingly known, became a piece of her balance. With his selfless love and encouragement, he helped her mother lay the foundation- the forging of an entrepreneur. She learned early that work was her way to achieve her goals, and she set sail on that sea.

Catherine’s accolades and accomplishments are expanding in much the same fashion as the business she co-founded. Since opening the first urgent care center in Richmond Hill in 2009, she has been stacking recognitions and awards as neatly as the books surrounding her CEO chair. With her at the helm, ExperCARE is opening a fifth location.

Motivated to be a part of the solution to what she considers to be a “broken” system, Catherine envisions “healthcare the way it should be,” patient-focused with an improved standard of care. “People deserve better care,” and together with her leadership team, ExperCARE is advancing that mission.

Leadership, business fundamentals, self-improvement, and biographies make up Catherine’s reading collection, but she is clear about her Source. One of her guiding Bible verses is from Philippians 4:13 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

“We all need a True North.” Catherine relies on her relationship with Jesus to provide truth, wisdom, and discernment. “I want to have a tangible impact by helping others experience Him.”

What are you building?

Catherine’s answer to this question again hails her mother’s recurring influence. She believes that what we hear as children becomes our inner voice, and she heard the incessant message, “With hard work, you can be and do anything.” Work does not intimidate Catherine, nor does challenge. In fact, challenge propels her to thrive. The inner voice she now conjures in the face of adversity repeats, “You were created for this.” Together with Scott, her husband, counsel, and confidant, the Grant’s are building full steam ahead.

Catherine’s waves extend beyond business to create broader change for a better world. Alzheimer’s, childhood cancer, and United Way fundraising; serving on boards for community development and healthcare advancement; and volunteering to mentor future business leaders are among her commitments to advocacy.

All of the accomplishments in her wake haven’t changed Catherine’s ultimate goal: to be more like the person who inspires her by exemplifying unconditional love. “In a broken world, my mom has been able to love others even when they were not easy to love.”

Her three young daughters, Grayson 12, Madison 9, and Emerson 1, are watching, and if their mother’s accomplishments seem impressive, I predict a tsunami. Catherine describes them as fearless and passionate. Grayson helped build the recycling program at school, and together with sister Madison, they worked diligently to raise funds for a clean water project in Zimbabwe. Their mom recognizes that her most important role is to encourage her daughters to become all that they were created to be, just like the person who inspired her.

Our daughters are watching; and so are our sons. May we inspire them and others to make waves. Waves are shifting and fading, but the changes they create are immensely powerful, enduring, and inspiring. May we never underestimate ripples.

Recently, ExperCARE founder and CEO, Catherine Grant, set aside some time to meet with Savannah Morning New’s Adam Van Brimmer to discuss COVID-19, vaccines, testing and more! Tune in to “The Commute” or read the transcription here!

The following is an excerpt from a “The Commute” podcast interview with ExperCare CEO Catherine C. Grant. ExperCare is a Savannah-area medical urgent care provider.. Comments have been condensed in the interest of space. Full episodes are available at SavannahNow.com/podcasts or through mobile device podcast apps by searching “The Commute with @SavannahOpinion”.

Question: The COVID-19 news is coming fast and furious these days. The Pfizer vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA, and at the same time the delta variant is causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations. When somebody asks you, ‘You’re in the health care field, what do I really need to know right now?’ what do you tell them?

Catherine Grant: “The hardest thing about it is we’re all hearing a lot of different statistics and a lot of things that are being presented as evidence. So it’s hard to know what to believe and how it applies to you. We’ve been working through this pandemic since March of last year and been involved in everything from testing to vaccinating to treating patients. We share the unanimous position of area health care providers that what we’re experiencing right now is unlike what we have seen prior. The demand for health care and for testing is exceeding the capacity of our health care system right now, whether its at point-of-care places such as urgent cares or primary care offices or pediatricians offices or hospitals. So the most important thing we can focus on is what we can do right now to mitigate the spread of this illness that’s burdening the health care system. We need to do everything we can to slow it down a bit and allow the health care system to catch up.”

Q: Your urgent care centers have been working with the state since the start in performing COVID-19 testing, and of all the disturbing stats we’ve seen lately, the percentage of positive tests is one of the most telling. What’s going on there?

CG: “We’re definitely seeing an exponential increase in the demand for testing. We track our data very carefully, and as of the middle of July, we were seeing positivity rates that were very low, below 5%. Since then the rate has climbed, and for the first three weeks of August, it’s been over 20%, sometimes even getting as high as 25%. That means our community transmission is high, and people are infecting others whether they know it or not.”

Q: Let’s take this opportunity to talk a little bit about the testing. There’s a lot of myths or exaggerations about the COVID-19 tests and about how effective they are, how accurate they are. What do people need to know about these COVID tests and their accuracy?

CG: “First, tests are just tools that help us in making decisions. So there are different types of testing: Rapid antigen testing and PCR testing. Rapid testing can mean a whole lot of different things but most people think of it in terms of getting an answer quickly. PCR testing, on the other hand, is typically performed in a lab but there are some point-of-care providers who can do PCR testing as well. Rapid antigen testing is very, very reliable, especially when you already have symptoms, and PCR testing is very reliable when the specimen is taken properly and you make sure you have a piece of that viral matter.

“The big takeaway is like anything else, a COVID test is not 100% and should be taken in context of everything else that’s going on. For example, if you develop a fever and a cough and you’ve recently had a negative test, remember that test is just a snapshot in time. You may need another COVID test. You may need a flu test. You may need to be checked for some other illness entirely. Testing is helping us in terms of making clinical decisions and helping us identify people who, whether they have symptoms or not, could potentially be spreading the virus.”

Link to Video:

https://www.savannahnow.com/videos/opinion/2021/08/26/covid-19-testing-what-know-chatham-bryan-effingham-georgia/5605047001/

Link to Transcription:

https://www.savannahnow.com/story/opinion/2021/09/02/covid-19-delta-variant-swamping-health-care-system-patients-seek-testing-treatment-vaccine-pfizer/5686318001/?fbclid=IwAR3xWf-cAKil1FDQJB1GunT786l_B90acFTK0_5k2KiftXfLdj3Mb-Dn7gc

Link to Audio:

https://omny.fm/shows/from-the-newsroom-savannah-now/the-commute-august-26-catherine-c-grant-on-what-yo