JEFFERSON, Iowa – The Family Medicine Clinic at Greene County Medical Center is introducing walk-in women’s health screening services for a one-month span this August and September.
The initiative is being led by Family Medicine Clinic primary care provider, Kaitlyn Bravek, PA-C. “We understand there are more and more demands on people’s time and our Team is doing everything we can to make access to routine healthcare as convenient as possible,” Bravek said. “Whether you need to discuss reproductive health, review birth control options, update immunizations or have a routine exam and testing, we are here to help you put self-care at the top of your to-do list.”
The American Academy of Family Physicians found that in 2023, 45% of women self-reported they had foregone one or more preventive service over a 12-month span. A quarter of these said it was because of scheduling difficulties. This trend can be problematic since women are at high risk for developing illnesses such as breast or cervical cancer and heart disease.
“Studies have shown that stress levels are actually reduced when women are able to discuss healthcare concerns with a provider or nurse in a safe environment,” Bravek said. “Not only does this put the woman at the forefront of her care, routine screenings play a pivotal role in monitoring changes over time and identifying issues earlier, before they develop into something more serious. We will also be able to detect potential health risks so medical interventions or lifestyle changes can be made to lower them.”
Walk-in women’s health screenings will be offered Monday, August 12 through Friday, September 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Appointments with Bravek are not required for these services. During this timeframe, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
Routine women’s preventive care includes the following: pap smears, pelvic and breast exams and determining the need for mammograms, bone density and other tests. Bravek can conduct a medication review, including birth control, as well as screenings for cardiovascular issues, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cholesterol, to name just a few.
For more information on walk-in women’s health screenings, contact the Family Medicine Clinic at 515-386-0500.