BVA celebrates new urgent care clinic

On Wednesday, Ball Ventures Ahlquist and Saltzer Health hosted a groundbreaking celebration for the first of four new urgent care clinics at Victory Commons in South Meridian.

True Care, an Idaho-based company co-owned by Saltzer Health, is developing technology that aims to put patients and their families in control of their health care experience through better cost transparency, according to the company.

“We’re going to put the ‘happy’ back in health care with technology,” said Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of Ball Ventures Ahlquist. “A patient knows what it’s going to cost clearly before they go, and they have access with easy appointment making. They’re welcomed to the facility and greeted with hospitality.”

The urgent care facility, which opens in the spring, will also use the free True Care app to give patients access to their medical records, so they can easily be shared with doctors. The app will also provide information about doctors, their specialties and patient ratings.

The most important feature, said Mike Boren, a True Care founder and founder of Clearwater Analytics, is that it will inform patients about their costs in advance.

“This exciting technology will disrupt how patients experience health care,” said Boren. “True Care will demystify the confusion of today’s system and deliver information in a more understandable, meaningful way that is personalized to each patient.”

Stacy Chessmore, Saltzer Health’s urgent care clinical director, will be leading True Care’s urgent care efforts in the valley.

Chessmore said she is building a team that provides exceptional and affordable care that give patients an option away from the emergency room without the wait times.

“Our team will offer an alternative for patients seeking to avoid long wait times and high costs,” she said. “Our vision is to provide every patient with exceptional care that is accessible and affordable.”

Three additional urgent care locations will open on Paramount in North Meridian, Downtown Caldwell and Barber station in East Boise.

“The modern, new buildings will feature a hospitality staff responsible for providing an outstanding customer experience using brand new technology,” said Ahlquist.