Peachy the Magazine August September 2014

HEALTH + WELLNESS medical care, here’s a guide to help you navigate the best care at the proper facility. First and foremost, if you have a primary care physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, it makes sense to check with their office, even after hours, for their recommended referral. Know your medical history, insurance benefits and current medications and doses prior to seeking any emergency care. It is a good idea to have this information available at all times. Retail Health Clinics Retail health clinics are generally found in drugstores, supermarkets and superstores. They are owned by the stores which seek to increase pharmacy revenues. These clinics are typically staffed by NPs (nurse practitioners) or PAs (physician assistants) and do not have x-ray or lab facilities. Often the medical staff cannot provide suturing. These facilities are best for: • flu vaccines • routine immunizations • uncomplicated sports physicals • minor skin irritations • mild cold and flu symptoms Any chronic conditions or more serious issues should not be treated at these clinics. Urgent Care Clinics Urgent care clinics have increased in number because of the benefits they provide to patients. Many of these centers are free-standing, walk-in clinics that are either independent or owned by area hospitals. They are often open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and are usually staffed by emergency physicians, family physicians and PAs. Wait time is typically 30 minutes or less. Urgent care centers usually provide basic x-ray and lab services, but they rarely offer ultrasound, CT or MRI services. Most centers require insurance or payment in full when services are rendered. Visits are generally covered by insurance (after a deductible is reached), and the cost for the visit is often significantly less than an ER visit but more than a retail clinic. Urgent care facilities are not recommended for chronic, more serious or life-threatening conditions. They are never staffed by specialists, so if additional care is needed patients are referred or transferred to an ER facility at the patient’s cost. AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2014 115

Peachy the Magazine August September 2014 | Page 117