THUNDER BAY — The founder of the city's newest nurse practitioner clinic says hers is unique in that it's more of "a casual clinic" with "not as much of a classic clinic atmosphere."
Katrina Hill and her staff are celebrating the official opening of Encompass Healthcare on Nov. 14.
It's located on Red River Rd. near Junot Ave., between Shoppers Drug Mart and Wendy's.
"We're open to options and hearing what people have to say about health care and fees, and options for health care. And we just enjoy being health care practitioners, honestly," Hill said in an interview Tuesday.
The clinic's website carries a message stating its goal is to close some gaps in health care in the city by offering accessible services in a convenient manner.
Thunder Bay-born Hill entered the health care sector as a registered practical nurse in 1991, and has been a nurse practitioner since 2017.
Her clinic, which opened its doors earlier this year, operates with a fee-for-service model, because nurse practitioners operating independently cannot bill through OHIP.
"It presents some challenges," Hill said, "but it's also favourable for those who understand that spending time in the emergency department is not really an option."
She said other nurse practitioners charging fees in Thunder Bay are mostly associated with pharmacies.
Fees are published on the Encompass website.
"There's online booking, so that if patients have done any investigations at my website, they're aware there's a fee base, and so there's not usually any of those questions. It's more the people that are coming off the street that may be surprised by the actual fee structure."
The clinic provides services on-site, virtually (online or over the phone), or via home visits.
Hill said walk-in patients are welcome but she also has a roster of patients she cares for on a regular basis.
"I do random annual medical, cortisone injections, drivers' medicals. I've done some work with medical cannabis, obesity management, menopausal management. So, a little bit of everything."
She is the main primary care practitioner at the clinic, while another nurse practitioner handles walk-ins.
A foot-care service also operates on the premises.
Tours will be provided during Thursday's grand opening, which runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
