When you get sick or injured, sometimes figuring out where to go for care can add another layer of stress. Dr. Montgomery “Monk” Elmer, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Primary Care for ThedaCare, says choosing the right option helps everyone get the care they need when they need it most.
“Knowing when to talk to a doctor or go to your local urgent care instead of going to an ER can save you both time and money,” Dr. Elmer says. “Plus, when people use the right source for their care, our emergency teams have the time and focus to treat higher-level traumas and more severe conditions.”
Simple Guide
ThedaCare has developed this simple flow chart to help you better understand where to go if you have a medical condition or question. It includes common sources of medical care — the emergency department, urgent care, virtual care, and primary care — and the common medical issues they are intended to treat.
Your primary care provider
A primary care provider can be a physician, nurse practitioner, phyisician assistant, or clinical nurse specialist. They provide and coordinate care and hel people access a range of health care services. They can address many health issues. These include routine physical exams, minor illnesses, and screenings. Same-day appointments often are available for urgent illness.
“Your primary care provider is the best choice for any non-emergency care,” Dr. Elmer says. “They can serve as a guide for your health. You can update them with any medical issues or concerns, ask questions, and consult with them as needed. They are there to help oversee and manage your day-to-day health needs.”
If you’re looking for a primary care provider who is a good fit for you, check out the ThedaCare Provider Directory.
Virtual care
Don’t want to leave home? No problem. With virtual health services, you can receive treatment for issues like cold/flu symptoms, rashes, pink eye, and headaches.
“Setting up a virtual appointment is especially helpful if you have a question in the evening or over the weekend,” Dr. Elmer says.
ThedaCare offers a variety of virtual care options to fit your needs. These include video visits with your preferred care provider and virtual urgent care visits with the first available provider. You can complete these visits through any web-enabled device with a camera. These include smartphones, tablets, and computers.
You can also choose an eVisit. You’ll complete a simple questionnaire to get a custom treatment plan and care recommendations from an experienced ThedaCare provider. eVisit online care requests are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Requests made during standard operating hours (Monday–Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will receive a response within two hours. Requests made outside of those hours will receive a response the next day.
Urgent care
Urgent care is a good choice for immediate, onsite, non-emergency care. For minor illnesses and injuries, it’s usually faster and less costly than emergency care. You can consult with a medical provider about health issues that require an in-person physical exam. An appointment is not required.
ThedaCare offers a variety of urgent care and walk-in services. They provide quick, easy access to treatment and diagnostic testing for minor injuries and conditions. You can find your nearest location here. In addition, using the ‘On My Way’ feature may help you reduce your wait time.
Emergency care
Go to an ER if you have a life-threatening emergency, says Dr. William Kumprey, System Medical Director for Emergency Medicine. Seek emergency care for conditions like severe chest pain, severe burns, signs of a stroke, severe shortness of breath, or blue-colored lips/skin.
At ThedaCare, our top priority is providing immediate care to the people who need it most. Doctors and nurses specializing in emergency medicine provide 24/7 care at our hospitals. We’re proud to offer you a full range of emergency care options and support.
If you’d like to learn more about your care options, please visit thedacare.org/get-care-now.
