MedExpress to Open Offices Wednesday

Local physicians open new MedExpress Urgent Care

By CASEY JUNKINS

WHEELING - Broken bones, cuts and colds are just a few of the health problems that can be treated at the new MedExpress Urgent Care at 620 National Road.

A group of well-known Wheeling medical providers are set to open the office Wednesday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony slated for 1 p.m.

The District Medical Director for the Wheeling facility is Dr. David Burkland, a native of the Friendly City.

"I was born and raised in Wheeling, and have worked here for years. I am proud to be offering an option for patient-focused care in a safe, clean, healthy medical facility," he said.

Burkland recently received the Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award from the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Other physicians familiar to Wheeling who will be working at MedExpress include Dr. Rex Lasure, Dr. Max West and Dr. Michael Fortunato. All are well-known in the Ohio Valley, having practiced in Wheeling.

"We're able to help both the residents and the health care system of Wheeling. We also offer support for local doctors - we'll see their patients for acute problems and refer them back to their primary physician," he said.

Erich Lipphardt, director of development and marketing for MedExpress, said the company, based in Morgantown, is very eager to offer its services to the Wheeling market.

"We think MedExpress will fit right in with Wheeling, and will do very well," he said.

MedExpress opened its initial facility in Morgantown in 2001 before opening a second office in Washington, Pa. in 2004. Since then, the company has expanded to Parkersburg, W.Va., as well as Greensburg, Mars, Monroeville, Pleasant Hills, Scott Township and Upper St. Clair in the Keystone State.

According to the company's Web site, MedExpress is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven-days-a-week. No appointments are necessary, as customers are asked to just walk in and wait to be served.

MedExpress offers treatment for colds and flu; bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma attacks; ear, throat and sinus infections; rashes poison ivy and allergic reactions; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration; fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations; minor surgical procedures; wound repair, mole removal and abscess drainage; and lacerations, abrasions and splinters.

The company also performs physicals, medical evaluations, immunizations and vaccinations, flu and allergy shots, X-rays and laboratory work, and occupational medicine. MedExpress also accepts most insurance plans.