Trucker clinics close temporarily
PDMD chain founder Dr. John McElligott told the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) that the clinics will be back open later this week and that investors have worked out a solution with the bank. The doctor is an OOIDA member. Above is a ribbon cutting ceremony for the first clinic.
The Trucker News Services
5/5/2009
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A chain of truckers-only clinics temporarily is shut down while investors work with bankers to reopen the facilities, according to published reports.
A spokesman for Professional Drivers Medical Depots or PDMDs, says the problem centers around a $1.5 million loan to be paid off by investors. Apparently, FSC Bank has decided not to release liens on such assets as clinic facilities and equipment.
PDMD chain founder Dr. John McElligott told the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) that the clinics will be back open later this week and that investors have worked out a solution with the bank. The doctor is an OOIDA member.
McElligott gave out his cell phone number, (865) 548-7684, for truckers who have a medical emergency or who had an appointment.
The clinics have not been without their setbacks.
In August of 2007 the Arkansas State Medical Board refused to license physician’s assistants (PAs) to work in the first clinic at West Memphis, Ark. There were two PAs with temporary licenses to work at the PDMD in Arkansas, but when the first one went before the board Aug. 1, 2007, it refused to allow him to continue working there as a PA. Both PAs had records that checked out, McElligott said, but the second one didn’t even appear before the board because the first one was denied licensing.
However, the clinic didn’t shut down and nurse practitioners filled the vacancies while the matter was taken before the board.
Besides West Memphis, PDMD has offices at TA Travel Centers and Petro Stopping Centers in Knoxville, Tenn.; El Paso and Laredo, Texas; and Atlanta.
PDMDs provide services including: Department of Transportation physicals; drug screening; breath alcohol testing; work-related injuries and personal illness; prescription refills; flu shots; and pneumonia vaccines. Additionally available is a nationwide hospital network, which allows fast track emergency evaluations, diagnostics and lab screening.
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