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Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) announced that its ExpressCARE–Hazleton Shopping Center location has closed.
“ExpressCARE was opened in Hazleton when there was a need to direct patients with minor illnesses away from the emergency department (ED) to decrease wait times for emergency care,” says LVH–Hazleton President John Fletcher. “Our newly expanded and renovated ED, that opened at full capacity in December 2019, now has the ability to take care of minor illnesses and injuries normally seen at ExpressCARE through its new supertrack treatment area.” The supertrack area has an internal and dedicated waiting room where patients are directed after being triaged. Clinicians from ExpressCARE have transitioned to the hospital’s ED to care for patients with low acuity complaints in a high-quality, efficient manner.
“We have taken extraordinary measures in our ED to protect our patients’ health during the COVID-19 pandemic and patients can be confident about receiving care here, whether it’s for a life-threatening emergency or a minor illness,” says Fletcher. All patients and visitors receive a temperature screening upon arrival and all patients receive a rapid assessment of their condition that directs them to the appropriate level of care. A separate waiting area and treatment rooms have been designated and high-touch areas are being cleaned frequently.
Contrary to community perception, less than one percent of patients coming through the ED are suspected COVID.
Patients in the Hazleton area who need care for minor illnesses and injuries have several options available to them. They can contact their primary care provider or call 888-402-LVHN to be connected with a primary care provider, visit the LVH–Hazleton ED or take advantage of LVHN’s virtual care options including video visits and E-visits. Learn more at LVHN.org/virtual.