About Walnut Creek, California, And How Concierge Pediatric Services Differ from Traditional Pediatric Care
Walnut Creek: A Vibrant Suburban Hub With Rich History And Modern Appeal
Nestled at the base of Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek is a thriving suburban city located just 17 miles east of Oakland in California’s East Bay. This charming yet dynamic community boasts a unique blend of history, modern amenities, and natural beauty, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
A Rich History Rooted In Agriculture
Walnut Creek’s history dates back to the early 1800s when it was originally part of a Spanish land grant. Over time, as California transitioned from Spanish to Mexican and eventually American governance, the area attracted settlers from the Midwest. These early pioneers, recognizing the region’s fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, planted walnut trees along a creek that ran through the town, leading to the city’s distinctive name.
For much of its early history, Walnut Creek remained a quiet agricultural and residential community. The open landscapes were dotted with ranches, orchards, and farms, giving it a rural feel. However, as the San Francisco Bay Area expanded and transportation improved, Walnut Creek evolved from a small farming town into a bustling suburban center.
A Hub Of Commerce And Connectivity
One of the key factors in Walnut Creek’s transformation was its strategic location. Positioned at the crossroads of major highways, including Interstate 680 and State Route 24, the city became a natural center for business, shopping, and entertainment. The arrival of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system in the 1970s further solidified Walnut Creek’s role as a transportation hub, allowing residents and visitors easy access to San Francisco, Oakland, and other parts of the Bay Area.
Today, Walnut Creek is known for its thriving economy, with a mix of corporate offices, professional services, and retail establishments. Its downtown area, once a quiet collection of small businesses, has grown into a vibrant shopping and dining destination. High-end retail stores, unique boutiques, and a variety of restaurants draw visitors from across the region, contributing to the city’s reputation as a premier suburban destination.
A Lively Downtown With Endless Attractions
Downtown Walnut Creek is the heart of the city, offering a dynamic blend of urban energy and suburban charm. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, casual eateries, or international cuisine, the restaurant scene in Walnut Creek is diverse and constantly evolving. From farm-to-table establishments to popular chain restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Beyond dining, Walnut Creek offers a fantastic shopping experience. Broadway Plaza, a high-end outdoor shopping center, is home to luxury brands like Nordstrom, Apple, and Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, smaller independent boutiques provide unique finds, from home décor to fashion.
For those seeking entertainment and culture, the Lesher Center for the Arts is a standout attraction. This performing arts venue hosts a variety of live performances, including theater productions, concerts, and ballet performances, making it a cultural cornerstone of the community.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Recreation
Despite its rapid growth and urban development, Walnut Creek has remained committed to preserving its natural beauty. The city is home to several parks, hiking trails, and open spaces, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the most popular spots for nature lovers is the Shell Ridge Open Space, which features miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Additionally, nearby Mount Diablo State Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay Area, along with challenging trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Accessibility And Parking Considerations
Walnut Creek’s well-connected transportation system makes it easy to visit. Whether you’re arriving by car, public transit, or bike, getting around is generally convenient. The city’s BART station provides a direct link to San Francisco and other key destinations, while local bus services offer additional transportation options.
However, as with many popular urban centers, parking in downtown Walnut Creek can be a challenge, especially during peak hours and weekends. Fortunately, the city has several parking garages and metered street parking options, ensuring that visitors can find a spot with a bit of patience.
The Perfect Blend Of Suburban And Urban Living
Walnut Creek offers the best of both worlds—suburban tranquility with the conveniences of a bustling city. Its vibrant downtown, rich history, and access to nature make it a standout destination in the East Bay. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Walnut Creek’s charm and energy leave a lasting impression.
Concierge Pediatric Services VS. Traditional Pediatric Care
Choosing between concierge pediatric services and traditional pediatric care depends on the level of personalized attention, access, and flexibility a family desires. Concierge pediatric care offers an enhanced, individualized experience but comes with higher costs, while traditional care is more widely accessible through insurance, though often with less time and communication with the pediatrician.
1. Appointment Availability And Time With The Doctor:
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Concierge Pediatric Care: This model is designed to provide more personalized and immediate attention. Parents typically pay an annual or monthly fee, which guarantees priority access to the pediatrician. The doctor usually has fewer patients and can offer extended office visits (often lasting 30 minutes to an hour) to address all concerns in depth.
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Traditional Pediatric Care: In traditional practices, pediatricians generally see a large number of patients, which means visits are often shorter (about 15–20 minutes), and getting an appointment during busy periods can be more challenging. There might be longer wait times for both appointments and follow-ups.
2. Access And Communication:
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Concierge Pediatric Care: Patients in a concierge practice often have direct access to their pediatrician via phone, text, or email. This ensures more direct communication, quicker responses, and usually the ability to avoid unnecessary visits by addressing concerns remotely.
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Traditional Pediatric Care: Traditional practices often rely on nurses or office staff as the initial point of contact, and patients may not be able to directly communicate with the pediatrician unless it's during an office visit. Response times for non-urgent concerns might be slower.
3. Preventive Care And Wellness:
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Concierge Pediatric Care: Pediatricians in concierge practices often have more time to focus on holistic wellness and preventive care. They may offer additional services, such as developmental screenings, wellness check-ins, and guidance on diet and lifestyle, beyond the standard care found in traditional models.
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Traditional Pediatric Care: Preventive care is still a major focus in traditional pediatric practices, but because of time constraints, the emphasis may be more on treating acute issues and addressing immediate medical concerns rather than long-term wellness planning.
4. Cost Structure:
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Concierge Pediatric Care: The main difference is in the cost structure. Concierge services usually require an annual retainer fee (ranging from several hundred to a few thousand dollars), which is above and beyond the typical health insurance coverage. However, it may not cover all medical services, and some insurance policies may not reimburse concierge fees.
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Traditional Pediatric Care: Typically, traditional pediatric care is covered through health insurance, and the payment structure is often tied to copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. There is usually no retainer fee, but the trade-off is reduced time with the doctor and less availability.
5. Personalized Care:
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Concierge Pediatric Care: With fewer patients, concierge pediatricians can offer more individualized care, tailoring health strategies for each child and their family’s needs. They may have a deeper understanding of the child’s health history, preferences, and family dynamics.
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Traditional Pediatric Care: Pediatricians in traditional practices may have a larger patient load, and while they provide excellent care, the ability to offer highly personalized and tailored approaches may be more limited due to time constraints and the nature of the office system.
6. Emergency And After-Hours Care:
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Concierge Pediatric Care: A major benefit is easier access to after-hours care, including direct consultations via phone or text, and in some cases, home visits or more immediate appointments. This can be incredibly valuable for families with urgent concerns during evenings or weekends.
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Traditional Pediatric Care: Most pediatric practices have after-hours services through a call center or an on-call service, but these might not always guarantee to speak directly with the pediatrician. There may be less personalized attention during off-hours.
Why Visit Walnut Creek? Top 3 Public Gardens To Visit In Walnut Creek, California
Walnut Creek, California, is a charming city located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its suburban beauty, excellent parks, and vibrant downtown. It offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. If you’re a garden enthusiast or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, Walnut Creek has several stunning public gardens to explore. Here are the top 3 public gardens you should visit in Walnut Creek:
1. Ruth Bancroft Garden
Ruth Bancroft Garden, located in Walnut Creek, is a serene oasis that boasts one of the most impressive collections of drought-tolerant plants in the region. This botanical paradise showcases an extensive array of agaves, aloes, cacti, yuccas, and other resilient plants that flourish effortlessly in California's mild, Mediterranean climate. The garden’s carefully curated landscapes are a celebration of sustainability, highlighting plants that require minimal water, making it a perfect model for eco-conscious gardening. Visitors are often mesmerized by the stunning variety of succulents and dry-climate species, all thriving harmoniously in a setting designed to reflect the beauty and resilience of the California landscape.
The garden features several specialty areas that display unique and rare flora, offering plant enthusiasts a chance to explore specimens not commonly found elsewhere. From the dramatic spires of agaves to the vibrant hues of aloes, every corner reveals something new and exciting for horticulture aficionados. Ruth Bancroft Garden goes beyond just showcasing plants; it also offers workshops focused on sustainable gardening practices. These educational sessions provide invaluable knowledge for gardeners of all skill levels, equipping them with the tools and insights to create water-wise, environmentally friendly gardens at home. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, the garden’s workshops are a fantastic opportunity to learn about native plants and sustainable landscaping.
A guided tour at Ruth Bancroft Garden adds another layer of depth to the experience, offering visitors an in-depth understanding of the garden's history, design, and ecological significance. According to Tripadvisor, it is often considered “The Most Beautiful Garden in the World,” a title that speaks to the breathtaking beauty of the space. While exploring, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. Plant enthusiasts and families will adore the garden, which is open every day and features art exhibits, family-friendly activities, and a nursery with native species.
2. Gardens At Heather Farm
The Gardens at Heather Farm, nestled on a scenic hillside in Walnut Creek, California, is a public garden, educational center, and event venue all rolled into one. Spanning six acres, the garden offers a diverse array of landscapes, including a spectacular Rose Garden, a whimsical Children's Garden, a fragrant Sensory Garden, and a flourishing Community Garden. The beauty of these gardens provides a tranquil and inspiring environment that is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset, with free access for all visitors. Whether you're looking to relax among vibrant flowers or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll, the Gardens offer an oasis of natural beauty right in the heart of Walnut Creek. For special occasions like photography sessions or group events, the Gardens require prior reservations and a permit fee, ensuring that your special moment is celebrated in an exceptional setting.
The Gardens at Heather Farm is more than just a beautiful space; it’s also a vital educational hub for the local community. The garden’s education program reaches over 27,000 school children annually across Contra Costa County, providing hands-on lessons in environmental science. Students explore a range of topics such as geology, pollination, plant anatomy, water conservation, composting, and wildlife—topics that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. With interactive lessons that take place both in the classroom and through field trips, children are immersed in the wonders of nature, making learning about the environment both engaging and memorable. This focus on education continues to be a cornerstone of the Gardens’ mission, allowing visitors of all ages to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way.
Since its founding in 1971, The Gardens at Heather Farm has been a labor of love for the local community. What began as a dream of a group of passionate garden enthusiasts has blossomed into a cherished public space. After more than a decade of fundraising and community support, the Gardens officially opened in 1983, featuring demonstration gardens that showcased local horticultural practices. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic venue for weddings, meetings, memorials, and parties, offering an unforgettable experience amid nature’s beauty. This nonprofit organization is sustained by donations, memberships, class registrations, and rental fees, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for the community. Whether you’re attending an educational class, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a day surrounded by nature, The Gardens at Heather Farm continues to inspire and enrich the lives of all who visit.
3. Civic Park
Civic Park located in the heart of Walnut Creek, California, is more than just a park—it's a cherished community hub where both locals and visitors gather to experience the best of nature, recreation, and cultural events. Spanning 10 acres, the park is a vibrant green space offering a peaceful escape and a place for active living. Whether it's enjoying a family picnic under the shade of towering trees, engaging in friendly sports competitions, or attending one of the many community events, Civic Park offers something for everyone.
Founded in the 1970s, Civic Park was designed to cater to the diverse needs of Walnut Creek's growing population. Over time, it has blossomed into a central gathering spot, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities. The park features expansive grassy areas ideal for relaxation or outdoor games, along with well-maintained tennis and basketball courts for those looking to stay active. A dedicated playground with modern equipment ensures that children have a safe, engaging environment to explore. Throughout the year, the park transforms into a lively venue for festivals, concerts, and farmers' markets, creating a strong sense of community and fostering connections between residents.
Civic Park is also a model of environmental stewardship. Its lush landscaping incorporates native plants and trees that support local wildlife, while sustainable practices like water conservation and habitat preservation are prioritized. Volunteers and local organizations play a vital role in maintaining the park's beauty and supporting its many programs, from fitness classes to seasonal workshops. As Walnut Creek continues to grow, Civic Park will evolve too, with plans for new amenities, sustainability initiatives, and ongoing improvements to ensure it remains a welcoming space for generations to come. Whether you're visiting for a day or becoming an active part of the community, Civic Park is truly a gem at the heart of Walnut Creek.
What’s The Best Concierge Pediatric Checkups In Walnut Creek, California?
Family-Friendly Garden Visits
Plan A Visit With Kids
Visiting Walnut Creek’s gardens with children can create some lasting memories. Begin by brainstorming a checklist of fun activities. Find gardens that provide hands-on experiences such as scavenger hunts or nature bingo.
Special seasonal events bring an extra spark, so plan your visit around special activities. Seasonal advantages, for instance, spring can bring flower festivals, and fall, leaf-peeping. If you bring edible goodies for an impromptu picnic, you can make your trip to the garden a real special treat.
The gardens, bursting with California native flowers, trees, and cacti, offer perfect backdrops for family photos.
Seasonal Blooms To Discover
Your experience is best when you come at the peak of seasonal blooms. The best time to visit is in the spring when incredible blooms add bright fabulous colors to the gardens.
During autumn, the land shifts again, embracing us with shimmering scenery and incredible colors. Most gardens hold workshops on seasonal gardening advice, so it’s a perfect time for families to get inspired together.
From nature scavenger hunts to bug hotels, these activities can motivate kids to learn and explore, igniting a lifetime of curiosity about plants and the environment.
Tips For A Memorable Experience
Getting there early means you’ll get to appreciate the serene splendor of the gardens before other families and garden lovers arrive. Comfortable shoes are a must for stomping all kinds of trails.
Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery. Look ahead for family-friendly special events or guided tours on your visit day to maximize your visit!
East Bay gardens serve as a quiet retreat from daily life, allowing visitors to reconnect with the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Best Concierge Pediatric Checkups For Lafayette - Dr. Ashley Pediatrics
Dr. Ashley Pediatrics: Your Trusted Partner In Child Health
Are you seeking pediatric care that supports your child’s health and well-being every step of the way? Meet Dr. Ashley Tyrrel, a board-certified concierge pediatric provider offering exceptional checkups tailored to your child’s unique needs. As a member of Dr. Ashley Pediatrics, you’ll have direct access to her private phone number for easy and timely communication whenever you need it. With Dr. Ashley as your child’s healthcare partner, you can take comfort in knowing you have a thoughtful and knowledgeable advocate by your side.
Dr. Ashley provides personalized, compassionate care tailored to your child’s health journey, all while you enjoy the comfort and convenience of concierge services. With extensive experience in pediatric care, she offers expert advice and guidance to ensure your child thrives at every stage. Join Dr. Ashley’s practice and experience the benefits of concierge pediatric checkup services. Your child’s health and well-being are her top priorities. Reach out to us today to get started.
Top 3 Questions People In Walnut Creek, California Have About Concierge Pediatric Checkups
Concierge pediatric checkups in Walnut Creek, California provide a more personalized healthcare experience for families looking for individualized care with a trusted pediatric provider. We get so many questions from folks about what’s different, how much they cost, and where to find these services.
Knowing how pediatric concierge checkups vary from conventional annual visits will allow parents to make informed decisions. If people are asking about what other unique services we provide, they’re curious whether insurance will pay for these checkups, and how to locate concierge pediatricians in their area.
Providing extended periods with doctors and personalized attention, concierge checkups aim to develop a complete healthcare strategy for children. Families can address these typical issues with confidence. This new approach allows them to proactively search their options and find the best fit for their unique children’s health needs. Here are the top three questions people in Walnut Creek have about concierge pediatric checkups.
1. What Is Included In A Pediatric Checkup?
A concierge pediatric checkup offers a more personalized and comprehensive healthcare experience for both children and parents, making it a valuable investment in a child’s well-being. These visits typically begin with a thorough physical exam, during which the pediatrician assesses the child's overall health. They evaluate vital signs, growth patterns, and developmental milestones to gain an in-depth understanding of how the child is progressing. This detailed examination helps to identify any potential health concerns early on, allowing for prompt intervention if needed. Additionally, pediatricians track growth indicators, such as height, weight, and head circumference, to ensure that the child is developing in line with age-appropriate benchmarks. If any discrepancies or potential issues are noticed, the pediatrician may conduct further tests or screenings to rule out any underlying conditions, providing peace of mind to parents.
In addition to the wellness exam, immunizations are often included in the checkup, depending on the child’s age and vaccination schedule. Keeping vaccinations up to date is critical for preventing a range of serious illnesses and protecting the child’s long-term health. Concierge pediatricians typically spend extra time explaining the purpose and benefits of each vaccine, addressing any concerns parents might have, and ensuring they feel confident in their decision-making process. If necessary, lab tests, such as blood work or screenings for specific health conditions, may also be part of the visit, tailored to the child's individual medical needs.
One of the most distinct aspects of concierge pediatric care is the emphasis on education. During each visit, the pediatrician takes time to engage with both parents and children, discussing important topics related to health and wellness. These discussions often cover advice on nutrition, sleep habits, developmental milestones, and ways to foster a healthy lifestyle. Parents are encouraged to ask questions, and the pediatrician provides thoughtful, detailed answers to ensure that families are well-informed and empowered to make decisions that support their child’s health and future. This hands-on, proactive approach creates a more supportive and collaborative healthcare experience, making the checkup not only a medical visit but also an opportunity for learning and growth.
2. How Does Concierge Care Benefit My Child?
Concierge pediatricians specialize in delivering highly personalized and comprehensive healthcare plans that are tailored to meet the distinct needs of each child. This model of care goes beyond addressing immediate health issues; it aims to support a child's long-term well-being and developmental milestones. By forging close, collaborative relationships with parents, concierge pediatricians can design care strategies that account for a child's medical history, lifestyle choices, and unique developmental trajectory. These plans prioritize preventive healthcare, focusing on identifying potential health risks and addressing them before they evolve into more serious problems. Early intervention is a cornerstone of this approach, as it plays a critical role in reducing the likelihood of chronic conditions developing and in ensuring a child maintains optimal health throughout their life.
One of the standout features of concierge pediatric care is the unparalleled accessibility and convenience it provides to families. Families benefit from 24/7 availability to reach their pediatrician, providing them with peace of mind, knowing that they have an open line of communication for health-related questions or emergencies. In addition to round-the-clock support, concierge pediatricians often offer flexible scheduling options, such as same-day or next-day appointments, which allow families to address urgent, non-emergency concerns promptly. This level of access ensures that parents and children can avoid the frustration of long waiting times or the need to seek care at urgent care centers or emergency rooms, both of which may not provide the same level of personalized care.
The proactive and preventive nature of concierge pediatric care leads to better overall health outcomes for children. By continuously monitoring a child’s physical and emotional development, pediatricians can spot warning signs of health issues at an early stage. This enables timely interventions that can prevent conditions from escalating into major health concerns. As a result, children are less likely to require emergency treatments, reducing both the physical and financial burdens of healthcare for families. With a dedicated, individualized approach, concierge pediatricians ensure that a child's health is managed with the highest standard of care, providing ongoing support to keep children healthy and thriving.
3. Is Concierge Pediatric Care Cost-Effective?
Concierge care, particularly in pediatric services, may initially seem expensive due to its annual or monthly membership fees. However, when you consider the value it provides, the costs are often outweighed by the extensive benefits it offers. Concierge pediatricians focus on more than just treating illnesses—they prioritize preventive care and wellness services that are designed to keep children healthy and avoid costly health problems in the future. This emphasis on proactive care includes thorough checkups, vaccinations, nutritional counseling, and advice on healthy lifestyle habits, which can significantly reduce the need for emergency room visits and urgent care, both of which can be financially draining.
Furthermore, concierge pediatricians offer more personalized attention and the ability to respond to concerns promptly. These doctors typically have smaller patient panels, allowing them to dedicate more time and attention to each child. This personalized care helps to build a strong doctor-patient relationship, which can lead to better communication and more accurate diagnoses. The result is often fewer misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatments, ultimately saving families money in the long term.
Another significant advantage is the comprehensive parent education and support that concierge pediatricians offer. Through regular communication and education on the child’s development, nutrition, and overall well-being, parents are better equipped to make informed decisions about their child's health. This empowers parents to take an active role in their child's healthcare and make choices that support long-term wellness, which can prevent more serious issues from developing later.
In the end, while the membership fee for concierge care may seem high, many families consider it a wise investment in their child's health and future. The combination of preventative care, personalized attention, and empowered decision-making leads to healthier children and fewer costly health interventions in the long run, making concierge pediatric care a valuable option for many families.
Benefits Of Concierge Pediatricians
Concierge pediatricians provide an incredible range of advantages for families looking for the most complete, tailored care for their kids. These healthcare providers value holistic health and wellness, making both mental and physical health a priority. When families are welcomed into a community where preventive care comes first, they flourish.
Personalized Care And Attention
Concierge pediatricians deliver care focused on a child’s individual needs. They spend time understanding family dynamics, which is key to developing the most effective care plans. With longer appointment times, you can expect detailed consultations and the chance to discuss health issues in depth.
With this approach, all of a child’s health needs are covered—from preventive, and scheduled check-ups to more urgent health concerns.
Flexible Scheduling And Availability
Families enjoy the convenience of flexible, more accommodating scheduling options—including virtual consultations and home visits. This added flexibility can be incredibly beneficial for busy families, giving them an option to receive care at times that work best for them.
Concierge practices tend to offer much shorter wait times, like same-day or next-day appointments, along with 24/7 access to a healthcare professional for urgent concerns. This high-touch level of service means that families receive immediate support when they need it most.
Comprehensive Health Management
Concierge pediatricians provide a more integrated approach to health management, coordinating care with specialists and other healthcare providers. This provides peace of mind that communication and continuity of care are always assured.
Through continuous support and tailored resources, families are empowered to tackle health challenges with confidence. The focus on holistic care means children get a broad range of preventive and acute services.
This goes far beyond the standard pediatric care, offering personalized, proactive attention to your child’s unique health needs.
Map To Our Location From Walnut Creek, California
Enhance Your Child’s Health With Trusted Concierge Pediatric Checkups
Are you seeking a pediatric specialist who supports your child’s health and well-being at every stage? Meet Dr. Ashley Tyrrel, a board-certified concierge pediatric provider offering exceptional care through personalized checkup services. As a member of Dr. Ashley Pediatrics, you’ll have direct access to her private phone number for easy and timely communication whenever you need it. With Dr. Ashley as your child’s healthcare partner, you can be assured of a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate by your side.
Dr. Ashley provides personalized, empathetic care tailored to your child’s unique needs, all while you enjoy the comfort and convenience of concierge services. With extensive experience in pediatric care, she offers expert advice, routine wellness checkups, and support to help your child thrive at every age. Join Dr. Ashley’s practice and experience the benefits of dedicated pediatric checkup services. Your child’s health and well-being are her top priorities. Reach out to us today to get started.
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