With the cost of medical insurance proving prohibitive for some, a new medical clinic has opened in Grass Valley for those patients and others who don’t qualify for government health help.

Director of Operations Marianne Boyer of the Highland Springs Wellness Center said the demand is definitely there for the area’s increasing number of between-the-cracks patients. The center had a packed waiting room Monday morning after only two months of operation.

“We do not accept insurance of any kind, no Medicare, no Medi-Cal to keep the costs down,” said Cindy Adamich, administrative assistant.

“We see everything from hypertension to colds and flu,” Boyer said.

“It’s $90 a visit, it’s a cash clinic and its mostly primary care,” Adamich said, with examination, diagnosis, prescription writing and some laboratory work included.

The clinic also offers hypnothereapy, hypnobirthing, massage and accupressure. The clinic will also offer women’s health care and there is one room where minor surgery can be performed.

The clinic at 1061 E. Main St. is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 274-2274.

To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.