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New medical-clinic chain announced
Roadside Medical Clinics, based in Alpharetta, Ga., has announced plans for a coast-to-coast network at Pilot Travel Centers to address the health needs of over-the-road truck drivers.
Roadside Medical said its first clinics are scheduled to open at Pilot locations in Cartersville, Ga., and Knoxville, Tenn., in January 2008. Roadside Medical plans to open 16 more in 2008 and 20 more in 2009, the company said.
“Without easy access to medical care, many drivers would put off going to the doctor as long as possible,” said Joe Neely, Roadside Medical chief executive officer. “As for scheduling an appointment, have you ever tried to park a rig at your doctor's office?”
Thanks to their long hours, sedentary lifestyles and isolation, the nation’s 3.4 million truckers usually have limited access to basic medical care, exercise and healthy eating options, Neely said.
“We give them the health care they need, where they need it, when they need it and, most importantly, at a price they can afford,” Neely said.
Roadside Medical plans to offer its services in various subscription packages for an average of $15 to $30 a month, said Bob Perry, Roadside Medical vice president.
Open to both individual drivers and fleets, the program will include health coaching via telephone and Internet. “We want to put together a road map to enable drivers to make small adjustments to eating habits and exercise to get them on a healthier path,” Perry said.
A similar clinic network is envisioned by Professional Drivers Medical Depots, based in Knoxville, Tenn., which has three locations so far and 15 others in the works, almost all of them at Petro Stopping Centers.
For more information on Roadside Medical, visit its website at www.roadsidemed.com. |
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