MedExpress Is Coming To Wheeling

By CASEY JUNKINS
WHEELING — City residents who need medical care in a hurry soon will have a new place to go, as MedExpress Urgent Care is on its way to the Woodsdale section of Wheeling.

Wheeling Planning Administrator Tom Connelly said the full-service, walk-in clinic will be built on the site of the former Marhefka’s Auto Sales at 620 National Road, just west of Perkins Restaurant and Bakery.

“The building that is there right now is going to be torn down, and a new building will be constructed by Washtenaw Real Estate from Pittsburgh,” Connelly said, though he noted no specific time frame has been set for the new construction.

Erich Lipphardt, director of development and marketing for MedExpress, said the company, based in Morgantown, W.Va., is very eager to offer its services in Wheeling. “We will open up as soon as our building is ready because Wheeling is a very desirable market for us,” he said.

Lipphardt 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.

Lipphardt said MedExpress’ premier asset is the ability to provide full-service urgent care by highly qualified medical professionals.

“Everybody deserves the right to get great care, fast,” he said.

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.

Lipphardt said he does not believe MedExpress will be in direct competition with Wheeling Hospital and Ohio Valley Medical Center.

“We consider ourselves a key part of the medical system that also includes primary care and hospital care. We believe we work well with hospitals in our other markets, so we anticipate having a good working relationship with those companies,” he said.

City Manager Robert Herron said he is glad MedExpress will be making its way to the Friendly City.

“We are very excited about this project that will be an excellent addition to Woodsdale and all of Wheeling,” he said.