Take note. The story the Tribune ran Nov. 19 about Express Care coming Northbridge Mall is not just another story. It is part of a paradigm shift in U.S. health care.

Has your child had a sore throat? Did you recognize it was a sore throat but couldn&8217;t get in front of a doctor soon enough? Whether it was that or some other illness, you&8217;ve probably encountered that situation, whether for your kids or for you.

Getting face time with doctors without being sent to Urgent Care is not just a problem in Albert Lea but a nationwide problem. Express Care, a branch of the Albert Lea Medical Center, is part of the the solution. And it is practical, too. If you think you have what&8217;s on the list, Express Care will see you.

It&8217;s a market-driven solution to one of the problems of health care in the United States. In other parts of the country people are seeing similar health-care formats pop up. You may have heard of Minute Clinics, a nationwide chain of clinic with 21 Twin Cities locations &8212; including one right in the State Capitol.

The cost for Express Care will be less than traditional office visits. You meet with a physician&8217;s assistant or a nurse practicioner. Best of all, everyone cuts down on time.

We look forward to opening day, which has not yet been determined.