As a Providence caregiver, you dedicate so much of your time to caring for others – but what happens when you or a member of your family feel sick? There are many options for care – but do you know the best place to go? The answer depends on the type and severity of the illness.
Consider these options to make the best choice:
- 911: Call 911 for life-threatening injuries or if you see signs of stroke or heart attack.
- Emergency Department: For severe illnesses and injuries that absolutely can’t wait, head to your nearest hospital. Remember, all emergency departments take patients in order of severity, not arrival time so less acute patients will need to wait while sicker people are attended to first. That can mean a longer wait time if you don’t have an immediate emergency.
- Urgent Care: Urgent care providers here treat minor illnesses and injuries like sprains and strains, fractures, cuts requiring stitches and rashes. This is a great option if you have an urgent need.
- Primary Care: Your doctor can address most of your health care needs, including routine checkups and management of chronic illnesses. This is also typically your first call for most minor illnesses and injuries.
- Express Care Clinics and virtual visits: If you have a simple health issue, such as a cold, cough, flu or sore throat, a quick visit to one of three Express Care Clinics is a convenient option. They offer a simple online scheduling system. Or use your mobile device to speak to a provider. To check out expanded weekday and weekend hours, visit https://www.providence.org/our-services/urgent-care or download the Providence Health Connect app on your smartphone.
Click here to see an infographic that demonstrates this information.
As we approach cold and flu season, also consider reducing your exposure to germs. Sitting in a crowded waiting room with other sick people doesn’t sound ideal. However, a virtual visit, done from the comfort of your home, reduces the chance that you’ll share germs with others.
Always know that no matter where you get care, if the situation is serious enough, providers will direct you to the emergency department if necessary. Emergency departments are an essential part of our health care delivery system, and the best place to go for serious issues such as broken bones, uncontrolled bleeding, chest pain or pressure, stroke symptoms and more.