Article Photos

Kimberly Fox, a certified family nurse practitioner, has joined the medical staff of DirectCare, located at 307 Main St. in Parsons.

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses.

Fox earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling. She has 23 years experience in the medical field, working in a broad range of clinical settings including primary care and acute care.

Fox said that DirectCare is the ideal position for her because it allows her to work one-on-one with patients of all ages.

"I really enjoy working in a small community and providing a wide range of services," she said. "People come to DirectCare for a number of non-emergent medical situations, from stitches to sore throats and earaches, to allergic reactions and much more. We provide a needed service in this community and add convenience for our patients because of our walk-in accessibility and short wait times."

As a certified nurse practitioner, Fox will work with DirectCare staff to provide high quality, cost-effective care, including: diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, infections and injuries; diagnosing, treating and monitoring chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure); obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations; prescribing medications; prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments; performing minor procedures such as suturing and suture removal; and counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment options

A native West Virginian, Fox likes to be outdoors and active in her free time.

"Hunting, fishing, gardening - I enjoy everything outdoors," she said. "I'm also a huge college football fan."

DirectCare is a walk-in health care delivery clinic that accommodates quick care for acute, non-emergent conditions like sore throats, stomach cramps and ear aches; and unexpected injuries like burns, sprains, strains and cuts.

DirectCare is open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Limited lab testing is available.

For more information about services provided at DirectCare, call 304-478-2511.