The Lee County School District is looking into establishing its own health clinics for its employees. The move comes as an effort to curb the rising cost of health care.

The school district spent about $70 million last year on doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical procedures for its almost 10,000 employees. It expects to pay about 9 percent more next year.

Chief Human Resources Officer Greg Adkins says there are two ways these clinics will help buffer the rising costs.

“One is increasing the convenience for employees so they can take care of themselves sooner rather than later,” said Adkins.

“It’s also about disease management where we’re catching some chronic health condition earlier before it gets out of hand and treat it before it becomes a major disease. That’s where the real savings is.”

Lee County is not the first school district in Florida to consider the option. Charlotte, St. Johns, Pasco, and Lake County School Districts have all established their own employee health clinics.

The Lee County School District plans to make a decision on the clinics some time next year.