Crossing Rivers Health expands Urgent Care services
“Crossing Rivers Health is proud to announce an additional service to help meet the healthcare needs of our community,” shares Dr. R. Timothy Fitzner, Medical Director of the Emergency Department. “Additional mid-level providers have been hired to cover Urgent Care hours: Monday through Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.”
Heidi Kirschbaum, RN, ER Clinical Services Director, explains the benefits of having dedicated mid-level providers for the department, “This will decrease wait times for Urgent Care patients. The providers will also be able to spend more time with Urgent Care patients to ensure all their questions are answered. The new staffing is a win-win situation for patients. The dedicated Urgent Care providers will provide more time for the Emergency Room physicians to take care of the patients experiencing emergency conditions. A physician will still be available for consultations, and the Urgent Care providers will also be able to assist the ER physicians when necessary.”
The Emergency/Urgent Care Department at Crossing Rivers Health is staffed 24-hours a day by a physician- all providers are specially trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Trauma Care. In addition, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, and Diagnostic Imaging personnel are available to provide tests and procedures. Urgent Care patient walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead gives staff time to prepare for the visit.
Upon arrival, patients will receive an initial assessment to determine the nature and severity of their illness or injury and determine which level of care is needed. If the patient’s condition requires specialized lab tests, diagnostic imaging such as CT scans or ultrasound; treatments such as IV’s, stitches or splinting broken bones; the care will be considered Emergency Care- not Urgent Care. Non-life threatening medical problems that can’t wait until the patient sees their regular physician can be treated in Urgent Care. This includes sinus problems, coughs, flu symptoms, minor cuts and scrapes not requiring stitches, ear infections, sore throats, minor eye problems, sprains and strains, minor skin infection or rashes, and bladder infections. “Urgent Care is not designed to replace your primary care provider, but we’re here in the event you need us after hours,” adds Kirschbaum.