Beginning Sunday, Albert Lea Medical Center’s Express Care will be open seven days a week: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients must arrive a half hour prior to closing to be seen.

Express Care provides quick, convenient, affordable services to individuals with minor health care needs. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis, no appointments are available. Staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, services include treatment of strep throat, sinus infections, allergies, skin concerns, earaches and common colds. A menu of diagnoses and the cost, around $50, for each is posted and covered by most insurance plans. A record of your visit will be included in your ALMC medical record to assist in future follow-up care if necessary.

Express Care now offers sports qualifying physicals to students 12 years of age and older. Students should be accompanied by a parent or guardian, bring completed forms with them, and arrive no later than one hour prior to closing to ensure enough time for the physical. Forms are available at area schools, on the Minnesota State High School League Web site under Resources, and at Express Care. The cost of the exam is $118, and is covered by most insurance.

Express Care is located within Hy-Vee, 2708 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea. For more information on Express Care go to www.almedcenter.org/expresscare, or call the Express Care Information Line at 507-379-2244.