November 29, 2007

Curaquick and Mercy Announce Partnership

Curaquick, a Sioux City-based healthcare provider specializing in retail delivery of basic health services, and Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City have announced a new partnership agreement establishing joint ownership and operation of all Curaquick Clinics in the Siouxland area.

Under terms of the agreement, Mercy will acquire a 49% shareholder interest in the Sioux City area Curaquick Clinics effective Saturday, Dec. 1. The names on those “convenient medical clinics” in Sioux City, Iowa, and South Sioux City, Neb. will reflect the new joint venture.

“This new partnership with Mercy-Sioux City represents a unique combination of resources,” said John Daniels, Curaquick co-founder and chief executive officer. “Mercy’s historic and consistent emphasis on quality patient care combined with our systems for streamlined delivery of care for common family illnesses will make the whole care experience even better for patients. People will continue to obtain care on their schedule – now backed by the professionals at Mercy.”

Paul Dougherty, president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City, said the hospital’s new partnership with Curaquick reflects Mercy’s mission-centered drive to ensure ready, affordable access to quality healthcare services.

“We believe this joint venture will further improve outpatient services in the area by offering additional access points for care,” Dougherty said. “It also allows us to establish a continuum of care that is unparalleled in the area.”

“Because of the unique nature of the services provided at Curaquick Clinics, this partnership helps us continue to serve the best interests of all patients,” Dougherty added. “Busy healthcare consumers appreciate many choices and options for medical services.”

Curaquick currently operates clinics in the Marketplace and Southern Hills Hy-Vee stores in Sioux City, and in the Hy-Vee store in South Sioux City. The clinics offer extended hours of operation, seven days a week. Patients are served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Curaquick Clinics treat minor illnesses such as allergies, heartburn, upper respiratory ailments, and skin irritations for a flat fee of $45 per visit. Vaccinations for flu, pneumonia and tetanus are also available for a small additional charge.

According to Daniels, Curaquick Clinics are helpful in filling a void for people who are uninsured or underinsured.

“The flat fee is also very attractive to people who have insurance but struggle to pay higher deductible and co-payment fees,” Daniels noted.

Dougherty and Daniels said medical care at Sioux City area “Mercy Curaquick” clinics will be driven by medical protocols on a par with the high standards provided at all Mercy facilities.

“Mercy and Curaquick share demonstrated leadership in improving the quality of healthcare services available to local consumers,” Dougherty stated. “For that reason, this newly announced partnership is a natural fit.”

Mercy Medical Services, a partner to Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City, owns or manages 29 family practice medical clinics and 8 specialty medical clinics in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

Mercy, the hospital that introduced the concept of urgent care in the Siouxland region, will continue to operate its Mercy Urgent Care clinic at 3500 Singing Hills Boulevard in Sioux City.
Mercy also owns Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Neb. and Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital in Primghar, Iowa, and manages Hawarden Community Hospital in Hawarden, Iowa and Pender Community Hospital in Pender, Neb.