Right Care, Right Time, Right Place
12/22/2023
Pam Warnke, Aspirus Nurse Practitioner
After the “most
wonderful time of the year” tends to be the busiest time of year for area
walk-in clinics.
As Aspirus Health
prepares for the annual influx of walk-in patients experiencing respiratory
symptoms, they offer important tips to help navigate care options. Aspirus
offers considerations to help their patients and communities save time,
navigate care, and potentially feel better more quickly.
Self-Care at home:
When is it appropriate to stay home and monitor and treat early
symptoms? Self-care is appropriate in many cases. If you have only just
begun to experience symptoms – such as a runny nose or a mild temperature – you
wouldn’t need to seek treatment. Some of the patients seeking care at Aspirus
are not candidates for care, and it extends wait times for those with more
acute symptoms.
Patients should
contact their primary care office FIRST. Pam Warnke, Nurse Practitioner at
Aspirus Weston Clinic says, “It’s aways a great idea to start with your
primary care clinic.” If your primary care doctor can’t see you within the next
two days there are often other providers in the clinic that can see you in a
more timely manner. “There are also nurse triage lines available through your
primary care clinic to walk you through the steps of where you should seek care
given your symptoms,” explains Warnke.
Who should visit a
walk-in clinic or urgent care center in person? An in-person walk-in
clinic visit is especially appropriate for anyone who has a worsening cough,
high fever that won’t come down with medication, or minor injury.
What other types of
care are available? Aspirus offers e-visits via MyAspirus –
available at myaspirus.org or
via the downloadable app. Many conditions and symptoms are well-suited to
e-visits, including pink eye, rashes, sinus concerns, and recurring urinary
tract infections. Save a visit to the walk-in, and stay in the comfort of your
home while addressing your concern.
When should someone
seek Emergency Care? Hospital Emergency Departments (ED’s) are intended
for serious, life-threatening conditions and not the best choice for minor
illness or injuries. ED costs are also much higher than walk-in clinic visits.
Learn more: Aspirus
has a web page dedicated to care options. Visit aspirus.org/right-care.
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