By: Dr. Sharice Bradford
Twwitter: @coachsharice7
IG: @dr._sharice

In a space once occupied by Advocate Health Care, Premier Urgent Health Care & OCC Health Center is now open and receiving patients. Sharing space with long term Orthopedist Dr. Gregory Primus, there was little to do but start seeing patients. Covered throughout the media as the Black Owned Urgent Care Center in Hyde Park, Premier is much more than that. While it is owned by three African American male physicians, Premier is staffed by 2 Nurse Practitioners, 1 Physician Assistant, 2 Medical Assistants and 1 Radiology Technician. Premier Urgent Health Care & OCC Health Center also provides occupational health services to patients in need.

For any of your urgent care needs this is the place to eliminate the lengthy Emergency Room visits and the limited treatment you may be subject to at a drug store Minute Clinic. For Occupational Health needs annual and basic exams as well as return to work and other services are available. Premier Urgent Health Care seeks to meet the medical needs of the community by providing quality care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

While it may be owned and operated by African Americans, Premier Urgent Health Care is the only Urgent Care facility in the Hyde Park area, and the only urgent care facility in the area that is bordered by Bronzeville, Woodlawn and other communities (the nearest urgent care is located in the South Loop). Their mission is “to provide outstanding and efficient healthcare while working expeditiously to exceed the expectations of our patients”. For patients who may be in need of urgent care and not emergency care they are definitely, an excellent choice to meet those needs.

Currently, open and operating Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Premier treats most issues from fractures and minor burns to cuts and STI’s. Premier also has an onsite lab which can provide more thorough assessments for basic medical needs. Premier also provides services for job placement, executive physicals and annual exams. The knowledge and expertise of their team is impeccable. All staff members that provide treatment are board certified and experience physicians as well as advance practice professionals.

Dr. Airron L. Richardson, one of the owners is a Hyde Park resident himself, so there is a vested interest not only in the medical practice but in the community as well. He spoke about the ability of Premier to stand in the gap for patients who may not be able to make an appointment with their regular healthcare provider for a particular medical issue or patients who have return appointments that are too far in the future. CEO and President of Premier Urgent Care & OCC Health Center Dr. Michael A. McGee explained how a portion of the proceeds from the Center are donated to the Nonprofit Organization “P.O.P. on Youth Violence, INC.” They physicians along with their partner Dr. Reuben Rutland are all involved in the nonprofit efforts. It is obvious that not only are the owners of this practice dedicated to their practice of medicine, they are dedicated to the community as well. Their official ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 15, 2019 at 10:30a.m.

As more insurance companies move to encourage their patients to seek urgent care instead of emergency care, Premier Urgent Care definitely fills that need. There are many insurance plans accepted for treatment. Walk-Ins are welcome and appointments are not necessary. There is plenty of parking and the staff is reading and waiting to assist with your healthcare needs. For more information and to see if your insurance plan is accepted go to www.premierucchicago.com.