When you need medical care, you have more choices than ever. Life-threatening conditions require a visit to the nearest emergency room. When the situation is non-life-threatening, you can choose from independent family practices, primary care clinics with large healthcare networks, and urgent care clinics.
1. Call primary care first
The best choice for care is to see the clinician who knows you best, understands your health history, and can access your medical records. That is your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The best reason to call primary care first is that your clinical team knows your medical history and the medications you may be taking. This history can guide the diagnosis and treatment of your immediate medical needs.
2. Kinwell offers urgent care services
Kinwell Primary Care reserves appointments every day for acute health concerns. If you don’t see a convenient time in your MyChart account, call us at 833-411-5469. Our customer service representatives can often find time for immediate treatment the same or next business day. Other urgent care clinics often accept walk-in appointments and have extended evening and weekend hours. Keep in mind that some facilities may not have access to your medical history, and the fees they charge can be many times higher than those charged at a primary care clinic.
3. The Kinwell Virtual Clinic makes finding care easier
Kinwell’s Virtual Care Clinic is another option for more urgent situations. Many medical conditions can be diagnosed and treated over a secure online video appointment. Virtual care clinicians can access your medical records, helping ensure seamless care.
4. Don’t worry if your provider isn’t available
Any Kinwell clinician you visit, whether in person or online, has access to your medical history through your MyChart medical records account. They will take the time to familiarize themselves with these records prior to your visit. This ensures that they have the needed context to provide accurate and personalized care.
5. Kinwell offers Saturday appointments
Illness and injury are never convenient and don’t respect regular business hours. If you need medical attention at night or on the weekends, call customer service to speak with a consulting nurse who can assess your needs and make recommendations for further treatment at urgent care or the ER, depending on your medical situation. Check if the Kinwell clinic near you offers Saturday appointments.
6. Consider advanced primary care
Kinwell’s advanced primary care model goes beyond traditional primary care by including behavioral health and support for healthy lifestyle habits. While urgent care treats immediate concerns, advanced primary care is designed to manage both immediate needs and long-term health.
What type of care should you choose?
Every medical situation is different, but as a general rule, primary care should be your first call for common medical needs. Urgent care is a back-up option for non-life-threatening needs when primary care is unavailable. Life-threatening situations should be treated in an emergency room.
Call Kinwell for your healthcare needs
At Kinwell Primary Care, we’re working to improve access to healthcare across Washington state. Discuss your healthcare needs with your Kinwell clinician. They can help you plan for most scenarios. Established patients can make an appointment through their MyChart account. New patients can book online at kinwellhealth.com/appointments.
