MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota is taking steps to transform the way we all get care.
They're opening a new 342,000 square foot “Health Clinics and Surgery Center” that they say makes care more accessible and convenient.
The first thing patients might notice when they walk in is that there are no check-in desks.
“They will be checked in on a tablet,” says Chief Operating Officer Mary Johnson. “When they walk in the door they will be greeted by a patient concierge.”
Patients will also be handed an electronic badge. The system, called Care Connects, tracks each patient's location in the building.
“We will know how long they've been waiting in the waiting area or how long they've been waiting in the exam rooms. We have it set up so that if they've waited longer than 10 minutes in an exam room by themselves, it alerts the staff,” Johnson says.
The facility will house 37 different specialties, from family medicine to cancer treatment. It also has 10 operating rooms. Some of the operating rooms have windows.
“Many of the patients are awake during that procedure and it's more pleasant when you've got natural light and great views while you are having that experience,” says Johnson.
Cannon Design is responsible for designing the building. Lead architect Mike Pukszta says incorporating natural light is in response to growing studies showing the health benefits.
“Actually decreases heart rate, decreases your use of pain medication, it increases your ability to understand where you are, which decreases anxiety,” Pukszta says.
The U of M clinic officially opens on Monday.
It will be open 12 hours a day Monday through Friday, and will also include limited hours on Saturdays.