Ripples

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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.

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ExperCARE Health Opens Fourth Location in Pooler

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SAVANNAH, Ga. – ExperCARE Health opens its doors on Monday, March 7, 2022 to deliver award-winning, on-demand healthcare to the Pooler community. 

Conveniently located at 2201 Pooler Parkway, in the new development across from Savannah Quarters and next to the new Costco, the brand new, state of the art facility will be open 7 days a week, with extended hours. 

“Our experienced, compassionate healthcare providers are excited to introduce the Pooler community to the signature ExperCARE Difference, healthcare the way it should be,” said Founder and CEO Catherine Grant. “When you’re sick or injured, you want to be seen right away in a clean and convenient location by a highly-qualified provider who accepts your insurance. Our team is committed to delivering the highest quality, personalized medical care and we are thrilled to be adding a location here in Pooler.”

Since opening its first location in 2009, ExperCARE is grateful to continue growing and providing access to top-quality, customer-focused healthcare that is convenient, consistent, and efficient.

ExperCARE has three other award-winning locations including the Richmond Hill , Mall Boulevard and Downtown Savannah.

ExperCARE offers access to on-demand healthcare for all ages with a commitment to delivering an extraordinary customer experience.  ExperCARE specializes in urgent care, routine care and occupational medicine, such as employment physicals and drug and alcohol screenings. A full-range of urgent care services, including sick visits, procedures, labs, testing, digital x-rays,  splinting and MORE. An experienced provider and team are always available on site and a board-certified radiologist is always on call. The center is in network with all major insurance providers and offers affordable cash rates.  Open 7 days per week, extended hours, ExperCARE is here when you need us!  

For more information, please go to www.expercarehealth.com.

ABOUT EXPERCARE URGENT CARE:

ExperCARE Urgent Care is an award winning, locally owned and operated health care center with four locations in Richmond Hill, Mall Boulevard, Downtown Savannah, and now Pooler.. Their commitment to you is something they take to heart. ExperCARE is an award-winning urgent care, open 7 days a week, extended hours, ExperCARE is in-network with major insurance providers, and welcomes walk-ins–no appointment ever needed. ExperCARE is the regions most-loved, first choice for on-demand healthcare. 

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Three Cheers for 12 Years

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Twelve years ago, ExperCARE opened our doors as The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill, on a mission to make a difference while providing access to high-quality healthcare AND extraordinary customer service. After 10+ years of working in healthcare, CEO and founder, Catherine Grant, knew there was an opportunity to create something special that wasn’t available in the market. She envisioned a team of caregivers that where were passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate, patient-oriented healthcare. Somewhere that patients loved to be and would be crazy to go anywhere else. The gap was undeniable between primary care, the ER, and what patients craved– excellent healthcare, on-demand, by friendly people who really care. So the founding team took a bold leap, and The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill, now known as ExperCARE, was born.

Twelve years, three locations, and an incredible journey later, we find ourselves in 2021 – the year after the year that changed everything. The COVID-19 Pandemic undoubtedly affected everyone’s life to some degree, and the healthcare industry was shaken to its core. During this time, our phenomenal team banded together, and refused to stop delivering on our mission. We continued to serve, not only providing access to the experienced, award-winning healthcare and top-quality customer service we are known for, but also proving to be a trusted community partner and together, we made to the other side of crisis.

Reflecting back with grateful hearts, while much has changed over the last twelve years, our core values and our “why” remain steadfast. We will always provide enthusiastic service with a smile, ensuring our patients know that we’re happy they’re here, and ready to care for them. We will always treat our patients with compassion, making them feel seen and heard, and comfortable bringing their loved ones to us. We will always support our team and push and pull each other to reach our full potential. We will be leaders in our industry, and communities, making decisions with integrity and responsibility.

ExperCARE is grateful to have served the Greater Savannah Area for the last 12 years and are so excited about the incredible journey ahead!

12 Year Anniversary Celebration from Becca Rivera on Vimeo.

Click here to see photos from our 12 Year Anniversary Celebration in Richmond Hill!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=TheUrgentCareCenterofRichmondHill&set=a.10158929058731144

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ExperCARE Leads the Way as On-Demand Service Changes Healthcare 

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Urgent care centers like ExperCARE have been popping up across the country as shifting consumer demands drive the healthcare system to adapt to the needs of a more mobile and convenience driven society.

ExperCARE first opened its doors in Richmond Hill in 2009 when the emergence of convenient, on-demand healthcare was just starting to take root.  The Urgent Care Association (UCA) recently reported that the number of Urgent Care centers has grown from 6,100 in 2013 to 9,616 in 2019; a 58% increase. According to the UCA 2019 Benchmark Report, the presence of urgent care centers continues to grow and they recognized almost 10% growth in 2019 vs. the previous year. .

ExperCARE has grown along with the industry,  opening its second location in 2015 and a third location, in downtown Savannah, in 2020. What is driving the growth of urgent care clinics like ours?   Urgent care offers the convenient, efficient, and quality care that consumers want.

Like many urgent care centers, ExperCARE is open seven days a week with extended evening and weekend hours. We allow patients to book ahead if they prefer,  but the majority of our visits are from walk-in, on-demand service. The UCA report found that 92% of patients reported seeing a provider in 30 minutes or less at urgent care centers, with no appointment necessary. Compare that to the average wait time to see a primary care physician in Savannah (61 days) and you can see why urgent care centers now account for 29% of all primary care visits in the country.  ExperCARE is very comfortable and experienced with providing patients with the routine care they need to stay healthy.

Urgent care services are a cost saver for insurers, employers and patients. ExperCARE is in network with all major health insurance and also offers affordable cash rates.  After normal doctor’s office hours patients have two choices: emergency room or urgent care. A 2016 study in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that ER treatments cost about 10 times more (an average of about $2,200) than treatment for the same diagnosis in an urgent care center (about $168).

Over the last five years, the number of primary care office visits have steadily declined as more patients have sought the convenience and money-saving services of urgent care. The innovation and competition created by urgent care centers has prompted traditional practices to offer more same-day appointments, convenient hours and communication methods. This is creating a future healthcare model that will be more responsive to patient needs.

Currently, one-quarter of patients seeking care at urgent care centers are unaffiliated with a primary care provider or medical home, according to the UCA Benchmark Report. Younger and often healthier patients aren’t looking for long-term relationships with care providers. These consumers, who may be paying out of pocket or paying high deductibles, just want to feel better fast and pay less.

Urgent care centers like ExperCARE are improving patient outcomes while reducing costs and expediting service. We are proud to be a forerunner in providing convenient, efficient and compassionate care.  Make ExperCARE your first choice for on-demand healthcare.

Video

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j63ahuflmm4uwxk/Evolution%20Future%20of%20Urgent%20Care.mp4?dl=0

Transcript of Video

The future of healthcare is going to look a lot like urgent care looks now. People are appreciating the fact they’re able to walk in without an appointment on their own schedule as opposed to working with appointments that are pre-booked weeks and months in advance that may or may not be convenient or based on the time that they need the service. So, we’re excited at ExperCARE to continue to deliver that access to healthcare at a super high level and give people not only want they need but also what they want when they want it.

Now urgent care is really being known as a reliable point of access in our healthcare system. With ERs being overcrowded and primary care physicians having full panels and inability to get in and not having extended hours and weekend availability, people need healthcare when they’re sick or injured. And so, urgent care has been a great solution to that. ExperCARE is really, we’ve responded to that. We’ve evolved with that and being able to both make an appointment while continuing to take walk-in services seven days a week is a huge part of why people continue to embrace urgent care and why urgent care isn’t going anywhere.

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You Deserve On-Demand Access When it Comes to Your Healthcare Needs….

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What could be more immediate than your health? What could be a more pressing and time-sensitive issue? And yet, for decades the health industry expected patients to wait for hours in an emergency room or for weeks to make an appointment with their regular provider.

We saw this dilemma on the faces of my friends and family members who turned to us for help with their medical issues because they had nowhere else to go. It’s what inspired us to find a solution by opening our first urgent care location in June of 2009. The concept was simple, and effective. Quality, on-demand healthcare. No appointment necessary. No long waits. You can use your insurance, or pay affordable cash rates. But above all, access to quality healthcare you can trust, before a small problem festers and becomes a bigger one.

Nearly 12 years later, ExperCARE’s continuous expansion and growth supports the concept of  on-demand healthcare filling a much needed void in our healthcare system and in our communities. In a country that has same-day delivery for goods and services and instant delivery of entertainment, why should we wait three weeks, and sometimes three months(!!) to address a medical concern?

And yet, around the country, many people continue to wait because they don’t have access to the type of on-demand, high-quality healthcare that ExperCARE provides. According to a Merritt Hawkins study in 2017, a survey conducted in 15 major cities and 15 mid-sized markets of the United States, on average, it takes 24 days for new patients to get an appointment with a physician. That wait is even longer in Savannah, which averages 35 days. The study found that even cities with the highest doctor-to-patient ratios had long wait times.

Patients seek on-demand healthcare because of their busy schedules and the unpredictable nature of illnesses and injuries. Many can’t afford to take time off work to see a doctor or don’t want to cash in their hard-earned vacation time to sit in a waiting room.  This is one reason why our customers and their families love that we are open seven days a week, extended hours. In addition, our facilities are also open throughout the workweek to maximize availability when it is most convenient!

Did you know that at ExperCARE, we also partner with and support employers with their occupational health programs by offering a full-range of services such as drug and alcohol testing, physicals, PFT’s, audiometry, immunizations and experienced workers compensation injury evaluation and management. We understand how to serve both the employer and the employee while treating the injury appropriately and efficiently, minimizing the need for lost time, OSHA recordability, and unnecessary work restrictions.

ExperCARE’s most recent expansion and continued growth is proof that this model is benefitting not only patients and their families but also employers, providers and insurers by decreasing crowding in Emergency Departments and offering an effective alternative to healthcare access.

The fact that all major insurers have embraced our delivery model is just another example of how ExperCARE’s model of on-demand access to healthcare is also benefiting the insurance industry. The consumer-driven business model saves insurers money because people are more likely to seek non-emergent medical attention in an appropriate setting such as an urgent care versus an Emergency Room, if it’s accessible, convenient and affordable. Early detection and treatment could head off a more serious illness that might result in more expensive hospitalization or emergency care.

ExperCARE’s access to healthcare model is the wave of the future. Stop by and see Why!

Transcript of Video

We’ve been delivering care since June 1 of 2009 in Richmond Hill. I had moved to Richmond Hill not too long before that. At the time I was seeing friends and family members in my kitchen sometimes because there was nowhere to go.

There’s such a need for on-demand medical care. This whole idea of retail medicine and on-demand health care when you need it that’s not a compromise was an industry that was being born again and so I think the complement of being in this community that had a need with an industry that was on it’s way up was really an exciting time.

So, June 1, 2009 we opened our doors in Richmond Hill. And the second location is next to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Savannah right on Mall Boulevard. And our third and newest location downtown on Abercorn. It is so exciting. Who knows where we’re going to go next? Stay tuned.

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ExperCARE Sponsors First Downtown Business Association Meeting

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After having just opened our newest downtown location on Abercorn Street, Nov 16th, we were thrilled to sponsor the Downtown Business Association’s first in-person meeting on Nov. 18. It was a pleasure to meet and mingle with the downtown business owners who will be a huge part of our new downtown clinic. We were able to share with them not only the award-winning urgent care and routine care services we offer, but also the full range of occupational medicine services, including experienced workers compensation injury evaluation and treatment, drug and alcohol testing, PFT’s, audiometry, lab and radiological testing, rapid and PCR COVID testing and much more.

We received so much positive feedback from the attendees and association members  regarding the opening of our state-of-the-art clinic in the downtown market and the significant improvement of access to excellent quality healthcare, that is in-network with insurance!  DBA members were also excited about the access for residents and the many visitors that travel to Savannah every year.

Visit Savannah President Joe Marinelli’s presence as the keynote speaker at the event was also fortuitous. Although we expect downtown businesses and residents to make up the majority of our patients, our business model also includes service to tourists visiting our great city. We are so grateful for hospitality leaders like Mr. Marinelli’s team who have done their best to encourage tourism this year and are making plans for a better 2021. We’re excited to be in the position to serve as downtown Savannah’s most-loved healthcare provider, especially as the economy and tourism industry continue to grow into the next year.

Link to Video

https://fox28media.com/news/local/downtown-business-association-visit-savannah-discuss-future-of-savannahs-tourism

Transcript of Video

Local businesses in downtown Savannah were hit pretty hard during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, but city officials say tourists are slowly coming back to town. The Downtown Business Association and Visit Savannah leaders held their monthly luncheon today to keep business owners updated. Fox 28’s Cody Thomas was there and gave a look into the future of Savannah’s tourism during the pandemic.

Visit Savannah President Joe Marinelli calls the current state of Savannah’s tourism a “tale of two stories.”

“Sunday night, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, our occupancies continue to be low, generally in the 45 to 55 percent range. But on the weekends, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, our occupancies are getting up into the mid-70s and even mid-80s,” Marinelli said.

Marinelli said the good news is leisure travelers are coming back into town, but the bad news is there are still few business travelers and no conventions, or meetings, which keep the weekday numbers down.

“All of those kinds of events really stimulate higher occupancy numbers where we would typically be in the 70 percent range mid-week, and in the 90 percent range on the weekends,” he said.

He also said hotel/motel tax collections are running at about 48 percent of what they expected this year. But one of their main focuses remains on the Visit Savannah campaign which aims to get drive-market visitors into town.

“When tourism gets back to normal, we feel confident that we’ll rebound,” J. Parker Limited Owner Dale Parker said.  J. Parker Limited in Savannah was shut down most of April. Dale said local traffic is what kept them afloat. “That can make the difference between a business surviving and not,” Parker said.

Catherine Grant also just opened Expercare Health downtown on Monday and said though there were challenges, she’s confident in the community’s support.

Catherine Grant, CEO/Founder of Expercare Health: “It’s everything, we love to serve the visitors that come, of course for their intermittent needs, but being able to serve the communities that you live in is what it’s really all about,” Grant said.

Marinelli also said they’re continuing to market toward cities that have nonstop air service to Savannah’s airport.

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ExperCARE Opens Third Location: New Downtown Clinic to Serve Residents, Businesses and Visitors

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Continuing its commitment to convenient, efficient and consistent healthcare, ExperCARE opened a third location in downtown Savannah on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. The new, 2,000-square-foot clinic at 818 Abercorn St. will open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle routine care, occupational visits such as employment physicals and drug and alcohol screenings, as well as urgent care, including stitches, digital x-rays, splinting, etc.. A provider and a board-certified radiologist are always available on site. “We don’t believe our patients should have to sacrifice service for convenience,” said Founder and CEO Catherine Grant. “When you’re sick or injured, you want to be seen right away in a clean and convenient location by a highly-qualified provider who accepts your insurance. We strive every day to offer the highest level of personal care and are thrilled to be adding a location in historic downtown Savannah.

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Women Who Rule Campaign: Catherine Grant Chosen as a “Leader of Change”

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Last month was ExperSPECIAL for me, as I was chosen to serve as a “leader of change” for the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Women Who Rule campaign. It was a true privilege and honor to tell my story about the women who rule in my life. I was also given the opportunity to showcase ExperCARE and the many things it has taught me over the past 11 years.

This year, due to unprecedented times, the entire campaign was virtual- instead of an in-person panel discussion. But the show must go on! So, I was honored to virtually ‘sit’ alongside three esteemed community change-makers this year and share my story. Cecilia Arango (of Thomas & Hutton), Mary Noelia (of Latin Chicks & Mint to Be Mojito Bar), Edna Branch Jackson (former Mayor of Savannah), and I were interviewed live on Facebook about our opportunities as leaders. 

Before we get too far, I’d like to explain what Women Who Rule is. It’s a social media campaign that raises money and awareness to provide women access to dependable transportation. Championed by United Way WOMEN UNITED®, the campaign features the stories of women leaders and local change-makers from all walks of life. I am honored to be chosen as one of the voices and hope it inspires others to give and do more good in our community. 

Jennifer Abshire Davis from Abshire Public Relations visited me in my office to host a masked interview. During it, I was given the opportunity to share my insight on running a business, my stories of all the inspiring women in my life, and the honor it is to be a mom of two (soon-to-be three)! I am thankful for the opportunity to highlight and support the Women Who Rule campaign. The campaign raised over $30,000 just last week and will help hundreds of women in need across our community. 

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” -Dolly Parton

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Congrats to our CEO, Catherine Grant: “The Face of Entrepreneurship”

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Savannah’s coveted South Magazine composes a special edition every five years to highlight some of the south’s most trusted, ambitious, and talented leaders. This publication is described as,”A bold declaration of the richness of the South, of the majestic talents, relentless ambition and singular vision that reside just behind each face you pass in your travels,” according to magazine editors. 

Did you hear the incredible news?! Alongside dozens of other successful faces and businesses that shape our communities, ExperCARE’s Founder/CEO and fearless leader, Catherine Grant, earned the praise and title “The Face of Entrepreneurship”. This comes at no surprise to anyone who has had the opportunity to meet or work with her.

Catherine is a change maker at heart, an innovator and trailblazer in healthcare, a wife, a mother, and a servant leader. Catherine started her business venture with ExperCARE Urgent Care in 2009 in Richmond Hill, then known as The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill. Six years later, ExperCARE expanded, adding a  location on Mall Blvd in Savannah to serve and reach  even more people, and they are currently in the process of opening a third location in the near future.

On behalf of the entire ExperCARE team, we are thankful for an opportunity to celebrate the vision, innovation and inspiration  that Catherine brings our lives day in and day out as well as her unwavering commitment to excellence ! She’s dedicated, beyond compare, to everything she’s a part of. South Magazine writes, “These are the faces of the people who are creating the new South through the sweat of their brow and the depth of their passions. But if you never look closer you may never know how deep that passion goes, and what it has accomplished.” And Catherine is just that!

Amidst some of the most unprecedented times, we are reassured to be le by Catherine ; knowing  that our team and our customers couldn’t be in more caring hands! .

Read the write-up on Catherine, here: http://www.southmag.com/Faces-of-the-South-The-Trilogy-Edition/Catherine-Grant-is-the-Face-of-Entrepreneurship/

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