CJUC on the Asbury Circle. All photos by Paul Goldfinger.©

By Paul Goldfinger, MD, FACC, Editor @Blogfinger.net

Four years ago I wrote a piece about the increasing successes of urgent care centers, and, specifically, the Central Jersey Urgent Care at the Asbury Circle  (731 Rt. 35, Ocean Twp).  I was impressed with their focus on convenience and quality care and their determination to improve the possibilities for patients who are acutely ill. No one likes to go to an ER, and this is an excellent option for many kinds of situations.

Here two links to articles we have posted on this subject

Urgent care assessment 2014

Blogfinger 2015 post on walk-in health clinics

In 2014,  I spoke enthusiastically about the urgicenter concept and about the CJUC.    Now, the CJUC doctors are operating a total of six centers in this area.  Recently the Ocean unit expanded by 1,700 square feet and they have modernized that spacious location and have updated their procedures. Their main goals remain convenience and quality, and I continue to be impressed by the success of their operation.  As for convenience, they are about 10-15 minutes from Ocean Grove, and their records indicate that many Grovers go there.  You just walk-in; no appointment is needed.   All members of my immediate family including myself have received fine care at the CJUC.

Part of the waiting area at CJUC. 7/13/18 ©

Vikram Varma, MD,  collaborates with one of his advanced practice colleagues. He is the Medical Director of the Ocean facility.    Paul Goldfinger, MD photo. 7/13/18 © Blogfinger.net

Today I interviewed their Practice Manager Anthony Orzo and two of their physicians  and I learned of the progress they have made in the last 4 years.

The main theme for the physician directors of the CJUC  is to address many of the problems that patients now face in accessing healthcare, particularly urgent care, and then finding solutions to make the experience as excellent as possible. Here is a summary of what I learned:

a.  All their doctors are board certified ER physicians who work part time in hospital ER’s to maintain their acute care skills.  Today I met Chiraq Patel, MD and Vikram Varma MD. We spoke doctor to doctor, and  I was impressed with their desire to operate the finest urgicenter in the area and with their intense emphasis on quality. I found that they have examined their operation top to bottom to insure the best results.

b. The doctors now work with physician extenders, ie nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants.   When a patient enters their facility, a triage decision based on the complaint determines whether he will be initially evaluated by an “advanced practitioner” or by an MD. This team of two is always present and often collaborate on patient care. Generally the most worrisome cases go right to the doctor, but their advanced practitioners are instructed to consult with the physician if there is any concern.  If you wish, you can request an MD regardless of your complaint.

c. The facility is open from 8-8 every day of the year. Parking is easy. Leaving can be a bit of a challenge on the circle.   The staff is welcoming. The waiting area is divided so that potentially infectious patients are placed in one location. They will offer a mask if it is desired. If someone looks worrisome in the waiting area, they will bring them inside immediately. They try to expedite waiting times.

The recent renovation has produced 5 new examining rooms including one where they can offer treatments such as IV’s.  There is a welcoming pediatrics area with a colorful hand painted seashore scene on the wall  and a very efficient central operations station for personnel to interact and monitor care. It looks like one that you might find in a hospital.

d. The doctor enters a patient’s room with a “scribe” which enables him to focus totally on the patient instead of on a computer. The scribe deals with the computer and the written documentation of the visit.

e.  The staff is able to perform a variety of blood tests and other diagnostics such as a Strep throat and  HIV testing. They give vaccinations such as flu shots and they  do Xrays and ECG’s. The Xrays  are over-read within 2 hours by outside radiologists. You can get a physical exam, travel medical counseling, and pediatric care for 6 months and up.

f.  Although the CJUC doctors will not function as  your primary physician, you can go there for followup of issues that they initially saw you for.

g. The experience is much better than going to an ER, but if necessary, they will arrange to have a patient transported to the hospital. If you need a referral to a specialist, they will help you make that contact.

h.  The CJUC offers a phone app which lets you check on waiting times.  They also have a brilliant “membership plan” which offers a number of guaranteed visits outside of your insurance. As for the latter, they accept most insurance plans including Medicaid.  Their goal is to turn no one away.

On Sunday July 15, they will have an open house from noon to 4 pm, and the public is invited. There will be tours, food, face painting and giveaways. You can see the facility and meet the staff.  You will be impressed.