Southwest Medical Associates Convenient Care at Valle Verde

Convenient Care is a Southwest Medical facility that I was not aware existed until I needed to make an appointment for what was ultimately bronchitis. I have shopped at the Smith’s in this parking lot numerous times, and never even noticed this tucked behind McDonald’s.
It was the closest place that had available appointments online, so I figured I would give it a shot. This is a small store front office that treats non-​urgent and non-​emergency cases for people 18 months or older and they are open Monday — Friday, 8 AM — 5 PM. (so only ‘convenient’ during banking hours… ha ha)
I was very surprised when I walked into the waiting room. It’s small; but clean, modern, and welcoming with 4 loveseat type sofas and a self-​serve beverage station that includes a Keurig type machine for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, plus a hot & cold water machine. This is a really nice touch.
There was only one other group waiting and I was greeted immediately upon entering. The receptionist was very nice and gave me an amazingly minimal amount of paperwork to fill out. Basically a short questionnaire and a couple of forms to sign. After she processed them, she advised that my co-​pay was $ 10, and gave me a receipt.
I did wait longer than I expected given that there was only one other patient in the waiting room, but I am pretty sure there was only 1 doctor there and 3 other patients came out while I was waiting. About a half-​hour after I paid, I was taken back to one room for vitals, then moved to an exam room to wait for the doctor. I waited another 15 minutes for Elena Zalan, who actually turned out to be a PA-​C. She was thorough and paid close attention to my symptoms, including listening to my lungs for a pretty long time. After the exam, she sent my three prescriptions directly to CVS who texted me that they were ready within 20 minutes.
Overall, I like this place way better than any other SW Medical facility I’ve been to and would utilize this office again for issues like a cold, minor sprain, etc. It was actually ‘Convenient’ for me.

This place just transformed into a SMA Convenient Care clinic about a month ago. So here you can be treated for minor illnesses ie colds, sore throats and minor injuries like bumps and scrapes. No appointment necessary, walk ins are welcome, but you can go online and book appointment. This past visit there were other patients there already, but staff put me next on cue to be seen since I had an appointment.
–Cool–
I hate waiting in patient waiting rooms, but I gotta say this is the first time I didn’t mind. The waiting area is small but really welcoming with comfy seating and a drink station. Yes a drink station, where you can help yourself and make your own coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Go figure!
–Not So Cool–
Front desk reception on the other hand were not as personable or engaging. Not that I expect sunshine and lollipops smiles, but they are the first staff members patients do come into contact with. From experience in working in the medical field, you want to put your patients at ease. I had no clue what to do, where to go… do I sign in somewhere, etc. I had to ask, prompt the staff.
Short wait in main waiting room. Got called and put in a room right away. Waited another 10 minutes til doc came in. Dr/​PAC Elena… sorry couldn’t understand last name under her strong accent. Anyway, got checked out, determined I did indeed have another broken eye vessel and it will heal on its own. Suggested I see an ophthalmologist. And that was it. She was already set to leave the room. I don’t feel she was very thorough as I was the one who had to ask if I needed a referral. I did get one, but after waiting another 10 minutes in the room.
—More 411!—
they do accept many health insurances, and also non insured patients. My out of pocket fee was a small co-​pay for the visit.
You’ll find this clinic right by the Mickey D’s, anchor store is Smiths, I think this building was a Jitters Coffee back in the day.
Well other than that, place met expectations, the clinic is fine for what it is. Clean, convenient, pretty quick, and I dig the drinks.

I like how clean this place is, but can’t say the staff is overly friendly and accommodating.
The waiting room is nice. A few modern couches and free coffee. But it’s awfully quiet. Some soft music might be a nice touch to not make it feel so cold.
The front desk staff wasn’t super friendly. They don’t really welcome you, but are just their to put your name in the computer.
There was hardly anyone here, but the waiting time for a doctor was about an hour in total. Not quite sure why it took this long, but seemed unnecessary.
The physician was really nice and took her maybe 2 minutes to get me all checked up.
But in the end, I got the treatment I needed and sent me on my way.