Category: Health Tips & Information

ConvenientMD, New England’s fastest-growing provider of compassionate, high-quality healthcare, is proud to announce the upcoming opening of a new primary care clinic in Bangor. Located at 689 Broadway, the clinic will open in August and joins ConvenientMD’s growing portfolio of standalone primary care practices in New England.

ConvenientMD Primary Care is designed to improve the patient experience by offering convenient appointments that start on time, providers with fewer patients to provide more personalized attention, and a dedicated care team to assist with everything from specialist referrals to medication management and mental health support.

“We believe there should be no barriers between you and your good health. Our vision is to not only make primary care much more accessible and affordable but also support you when you need services beyond primary care,” said Kevin Curwick, president of ConvenientMD Primary Care. “We’re especially excited to welcome Dr. Sarah Crane and Amber Grissom, DNP; to the team. They exemplify our mission of providing compassionate care.”

“Our approach is centered on trust and accessibility,” said Dr. Crane. “We want every patient who walks through our doors to feel heard, cared for, and empowered in their health journey.”

This new primary care clinic joins ConvenientMD’s existing Urgent Care clinic located at 453 Broadway, giving Bangor residents a seamless connection between ongoing primary care and immediate, urgent care walk-in services—all within the same trusted organization.

To become a patient or explore these primary care services, visit www.convenientmd.com/primarycare or call 603-810-6700.

ConvenientMD has opened its third primary care location at 211 Hampton Road, Unit 2, in Exeter, NH, offering same and next-day appointments with a comprehensive team approach focused on keeping patients of all ages healthy.

ConvenientMD Primary Care providers see fewer patients, with longer appointments, to allow them to better understand each person’s unique needs and health goals. Patients will also have the support of a comprehensive care team to help them with everything from specialist referrals to medication management to health coaching. As a membership-based primary care model, these services and on-site labs, X-rays, and urgent care visits at certain ConvenientMD clinics are provided at no extra cost to patients.

“We believe there should be no barriers between you and your good health,” says Gareth Dickens, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of ConvenientMD. “Our primary care approach puts the focus on preventive care, rather than treating symptoms as they arise.”

Dr. James Barlow and Andria Auger, FNP-BC, have joined ConvenientMD Primary Care to offer these services to the Exeter community. Auger is a certified family nurse practitioner who previously practiced in Salem, NH. Dr. Barlow is board-certified by the America Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians with special interests and training in osteopathic manipulative techniques, women’s health, and pediatrics. He has served patients in the Seacoast community since 2017.

ConvenientMD, New England’s leading provider of urgent care, launched its membership-based primary care in 2022 to help make primary care more accessible and affordable. It also has offices in Portland, ME, and Portsmouth, NH, and is opening a fourth location in Manchester, NH, later this spring.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare,” said Deepak Kothavade, director of Advanced Primary Care for ConvenientMD. “Our goal is to provide personalized care and attention to help people live their healthiest lives.”

To sign up as a patient at the Exeter location, visit convenientmd.com/primarycare to complete the online enrollment form or call (603) 519-3092.

Ticks Commonly Found in New England

While not all tick bites lead to illness, some ticks can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease. That’s why prevention, early detection, and knowing when to seek medical care are essential. There are three primary types of ticks in New England known to bite humans and animals:

• Deer tick (blacklegged tick): Extremely small and difficult to spot. Active in spring, summer, and fall. Known for transmitting Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
• American dog tick (wood tick): Larger and easier to see. Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia in rare cases.
• Lone star tick: Can cause redness and discomfort at the bite site and may transmit ehrlichiosis and Heartland virus.

Although deer ticks are the most concerning in this region, any tick bite should be taken seriously.

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How to Prevent Tick Bites

Taking simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk of being bitten:

1. Know where ticks live

Generally, ticks prefer to reside in and around moist and humid environments, including wooded and grassy areas. As a result, ticks may attach to you during outdoor activities – such as walking through brush or leaves.

2. Use insect repellent

When choosing a tick repellent, be aware of the safety parameters associated with each. Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can be applied directly to the skin and protect against insects for several hours. Products that contain permethrin cannot be used on the skin, but can be used on boots, clothing and camping gear.

3. Wear protective clothing

Covering up can prevent ticks from latching on to skin, so wear long pants and sleeves as appropriate. Ticks are generally the size of a poppy seed, so wearing lighter colors can help you spot ticks sooner.

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How to Check for Ticks

After spending time outdoors, check your body carefully, paying close attention to:

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside the belly button
• Back of the knees
• Scalp and all body hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so a thorough check is critical—even after short outdoor activities.

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How to Remove a Tick Safely

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Ticks attached for less than 24 hours are much less likely to transmit disease.

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure—do not twist or jerk.
3. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
4. Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

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Tick Bite Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of tick-borne illness may appear days or even weeks after a bite, and sometimes occur without a visible tick bite.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash, including a bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans) associated with Lyme disease

If you notice these symptoms, especially after spending time outdoors, seek medical evaluation promptly.

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When to Seek Medical Care

You should visit a medical provider if:

• You develop flu-like symptoms or a rash
• A tick bite becomes painful, swollen, or infected
• You experience joint swelling or persistent fatigue
• You are unsure how long the tick was attached

Early evaluation allows providers to determine whether testing or treatment is necessary, based on symptoms and geographic exposure.

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We’re Here to Help

If you’re dealing with a tick bite or experiencing symptoms of a tick-borne illness, ConvenientMD Urgent Care is here to help. Our providers can evaluate your symptoms, remove ticks safely, and recommend next steps for care.

With walk-in availability and extended hours, you can visit any ConvenientMD location in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts—no appointment needed.