Airports are not usually where people expect to find health care, but that is exactly what travelers and staff at Bradley International Airport, the US, can now access. Just next to Gate 20, a new walk in health kiosk from Hartford HealthCare offers quick, private care to anyone passing through the terminal.
This new service, called the OnMed CareStation, is changing what is possible for medical care on the move. Whether you are feeling unwell before a flight or have a question about a strange rash, the CareStation allows you to speak with a medical professional in just a few minutes.
The process is simple. You walk into the unit, close the door, and begin speaking to a health care provider on a screen inside. A camera can drop down to allow the provider to examine your skin, and built-in tools measure your weight, blood pressure, oxygen level, and more. These results are sent in real time to the provider, who can offer a diagnosis and even send a prescription if needed.
There is no waiting room, no need to travel to a clinic, and no loss of time. The experience combines the speed of virtual care with the accuracy of in person visits.
The CareStation is not just for travelers. It is also available to airport employees and anyone passing through the area. Most health insurance plans cover visits to the CareStation, and patients do not need to be registered with Hartford HealthCare to use it. Those who are existing patients can benefit from instant access to their medical records, allowing for a more joined up and personal service.
Dr Padmanabhan Premkumar of Hartford HealthCare described it as a powerful meeting point of travel and wellness. “Whether you are catching a flight or on your break as an airport employee, our doors are open,” he said at the launch event.
Hartford HealthCare President Jeffrey Flaks added that this innovation helps improve access while keeping care affordable and effective. “We believe this type of service could appear at airports across the country,” he said.
The CareStation kiosk is about the size of a small office and runs using only a standard wall socket. This station is the third of its kind in Connecticut and the very first to be installed inside an airport anywhere in the United States.
Christina Burnett, chief marketing officer at OnMed, explained that more than eighty percent of CareStation visitors leave with a clear diagnosis. This is far higher than many telehealth services, due in large part to the vital signs collected on site.
The unit can help with up to eighty five percent of issues usually seen in general practice. These include common conditions such as coughs, sore throats, infections, and allergies. For more serious concerns, patients can be referred immediately to local emergency services.
Hartford HealthCare is aiming for five or six patients per day at the Bradley location to start. With twelve thousand people passing through the terminal daily, the potential for this kind of walk in care is significant.
This is more than a clever idea. It is a real shift in how and where we can access help when we need it most. For busy travelers and hard working staff, the CareStation offers peace of mind and expert advice - all without leaving the airport.
In a fast moving world, this is what the future of health care looks like.
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