An OnMed CareStation is located at the Hidalgo County Health Department - McAllen Clinic. Celeste Cruz / Vaquero Radio
On Sept. 3, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services had its inauguration for the OnMed “Clinic in a Box” Virtual CareStation at its McAllen clinic. Molina Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare collaborated with OnMed on the initiative.
The OnMed CareStation provides the community with quick and easy primary, urgent and additional care services through a tech-enabled hybrid care delivery system.
Director of the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Dairen Sarmiento Rangel explained the functions of the “clinic box.”
“They’ll check their blood pressure, they check their temperature,” Rangel said. “Let’s say that somebody has a rash on their arm. They can put the camera to check it. It has a stethoscope, so they actually hear your heartbeat. It’s got the oximeter, which checks your oxygen level, and you’re talking face to face with an actual practitioner.”
She said once patients walk into the “clinic in a box,” they have an English or Spanish option.
Rangel said the consultations are for basic primary care, such as a cold, respiratory infection, COVID treatment, stomach pain, skin conditions, minor injuries and more. Based on the examination, the practitioner could prescribe medication. However, if it’s more in depth, the practitioner may refer patients to a specialist.
Rangel emphasized the purpose behind the CareStation is to help people who don’t have access to health care.
“Maybe the parents have insurance because they are working, but cannot afford it for their children, so they can take their children,” she said.
People who have private insurance, medicaid or medicare can also have access to the clinic box.
Rangel added if the OnMed CareStation is used a lot by the community, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services would like to place more.
The consultations at the CareStation are free. In order to access the CareStation, patients have to bring an ID and health plan card if applicable.
To ask for help or information on the CareStation, call Hidalgo County Health and Human Services at 383-6221.
The OnMed CareStation is available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hidalgo County Health Department – McAllen clinic.
