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It has been about 6 weeks since the Genoa Pharmacy opened here in Gualala in the Sea Watch Building across the street from RCMS Gualala Clinic. It is time to provide some updates to the community. This Pharmacy was built from the ground up, and had to open its doors before we were allowed to apply for some of the licenses and contracts required by law. As such, these first weeks were spent getting in place the needed contracts with Medicare and other private insurance companies so that we can serve their members. We are still working on getting the MediCal contract finalized. These requirements were beyond our control in that we had to work through Government Agencies. We also had to purchase prescription medications from wholesalers who could come to Gualala only once or twice each week due of the remoteness of our location. Additionally, it has been difficult to recruit the necessary pharmacy staff in the face of a limited candidate pool, housing difficulties, etc. These issues have slowed down operational goals for our pharmacy somewhat. We held a COVID vaccination clinic recently – but encountered significant difficulties in getting real-time insurance approvals. But, we are beginning to get over the bumps in the road:
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we go through this process.
RCMS encourages everyone 6 months and older to get COVID and influenza (flu) vaccinated. We also recommend anyone over 60 years old to consider also getting vaccinated against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). We do not yet have COVID, influenza, or adult RSV vaccines at the RCMS clinic. Thus, we recommend anyone traveling out of the area to consider getting these vaccines at a commercial pharmacy while you are in an urban setting, where they may be more readily available. RCMS anticipates getting flu vaccine supplies in early October. At that time, we will announce flu shot clinic details and in-clinic vaccination options. We will not carry the 'high dose' flu vaccine, which is another option for patients 65 and over. (Please note the CDC states it is acceptable for patients over the age of 65 to receive the standard dose flu shot). We are currently unable to offer large community COVID shot clinics, but will inform the community if this becomes a possibility. If you have questions about the RSV vaccine for persons over 60 years of age, speak to your medical provider or pharmacist to see whether you would benefit from this vaccine. For more information about the recently released COVID vaccine, see the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html.
Choosing between the emergency room (ER) and Urgent Care depends on the severity of the medical issue. The ER is equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies such as severe injuries, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. It operates around the clock and has advanced facilities, including surgical suites and specialized medical staff.
Urgent Care, on the other hand, is best suited for non-life-threatening but still urgent situations like minor injuries, infections, or moderate illnesses. It provides timely care without the long wait times typical of ER visits. Additionally, Urgent Care is often more cost-effective for less severe issues, while the ER tends to be more expensive. Making the right choice ensures prompt and appropriate care for your specific medical needs. |
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March 2024
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