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Upon entry of the parking lot, patients visiting First Med will have more to concern themselves with than their initial reasons for medical assistance. The parking lot of First Med holds hazards well beyond those simply getting to the business from the busiest stretch in Lawrence. Not only is the parking lot constructed on an extreme downward slope, but it is full of imperfections, cracks, and multiple gaping potholes.

Locally owned, First Med at 2323 Ridge Ct is recognized as Lawrence’s only family practice and walk-in medical care center. First Med is also convenient because of its minor emergency care and family practice by appointment.

Potholes are not only a literal interruption to a driver’s commute or final destination, but they also hold potential risk and damage to the vehicles which encounter them. Although potholes occur naturally over time due to asphalt being worn away, they’re still a significant issue and must be maintained. About 500,000 auto insurance claims are filed each year for pothole mishaps.

Several efforts were made to contact First Med in order to seek out information as to who would be responsible for fixing the issue at hand. Two secretaries admitted that they had noticed the imperfections, but did not have information or knowledge to further efforts in reconstructing the lot. Phone representatives had transferred the phone call and questions to two different mail boxes, one was a billing-informational division and the other an owner. Neither message was returned, and during the last call a new representative addressed the issue and stated, “Due to the nature of our business, we do not have the time to deal with situations such as these.”

The trip through the parking lot presents First Med patients with more than the general risk of medical care. It may in fact give them, and their car, another reason for a diagnosis.