Albemarle opens employee care clinic at Pantops; 29 North site to add infusion services and onsite pharmacy
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Summary
The division and county launched a clinic at Pantops for benefits‑eligible employees and dependents; the second clinic on 29 North will add infusion therapy and onsite prescription dispensing. Initial uptake: 50 appointments in the first week, 30 of them for school staff or covered dependents.
Dan Redding and division staff presented details Feb. 13 on a new employee care clinic network created in partnership with county government and other participants in the division’s health plan.
The Pantops clinic opened the week before the board meeting and logged about 50 appointments in its first week, Redding said, 30 of which were for school staff or eligible dependents. The district selected two locations — Pantops (already open) and 29 North (across from the Lowe’s near Woodbrook Elementary School) — to place clinics near clusters of employees’ workplaces and homes.
Services at Pantops already include primary care from a nurse practitioner, physical therapy, health coaching with a registered dietitian, mental‑health visits with a licensed clinical social worker, and occupational health (pre‑employment physicals and TB screening). The 29 North location is expected to open in April and will add an infusion center for some specialty medications and an onsite pharmacy so patients can leave with prescriptions the same day.
Eligibility and fees: benefits‑eligible employees, enrolled legal spouses and dependents age 2 and older who are enrolled in the Albemarle County medical plan may use the clinic. Participants in the division’s higher‑coverage "Select" plan pay $0 for clinic services; participants in the Choice high‑deductible plan pay $35 for non‑preventive clinic services; benefits‑eligible employees who do not participate in the county plan pay $70 per visit. Occupational‑health visits required for hiring are provided at no cost.
Redding said the clinics aim to remove access barriers, speed primary‑care access for employees who otherwise face long waits for a new patient appointment, and reduce health‑plan costs. The board and staff noted the expected cost‑saving benefits of onsite pharmacy dispensing and the potential to lower overall claims costs.
Redding encouraged employees to consult the division’s SharePoint and Compass communications for information about services, provider bios and appointment scheduling; virtual care will remain available for same‑day needs if an in‑person slot is not available.
