When you need medical care, there are more choices than ever. Of course, a life-threatening condition requires a visit to the nearest emergency room. When the situation is not life-threatening, however, you can choose from primary care, urgent care, or a hospital.
Call primary care first
The best choice for care is to see the clinician who knows you best, who understands your health history, and can access your medical records. That is your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Knowing your medical history and the medications you may be taking can guide them in the diagnosis and treatment of your immediate medical needs.
What if I need care right away?
Kinwell Primary Care reserves appointments every business day for immediate health concerns. If you don’t see a convenient appointment option in your MyChart account, call 833-411-5469 for a customer representative who can access the most up-to-date scheduling options.
What if my clinician isn’t in?
Kinwell’s Virtual Care Clinic is another option for urgent situations. Many medical conditions can be diagnosed and treated over a secure online video appointment. The Kinwell clinician you visit, whether in person or online, can access your MyChart medical records to ensure they have the needed context to provide accurate and personalized care.
What if I need care at night or over the weekend?
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 Kinwell at 833-411-5469 to speak with a consulting nurse who can assess your needs and make recommendations for further treatment. Some Kinwell clinics are open Saturday mornings and can accommodate urgent needs.
An alternative to your primary care team is an urgent care clinic. These clinics often accept walk-in appointments and have extended evening and weekend hours. They are typically equipped to handle issues that are not life-threatening, but require immediate attention. Keep in mind that some facilities may not have access to your medical history, and their fees can be several times higher than those charged at a primary care clinic.
What situations can advanced primary care handle?
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.
Which care is the right care?
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 issues when primary care is unavailable. Life-threatening situations should be treated in an emergency room.
Discuss your healthcare needs with your Kinwell clinician. They can help you plan ahead for common healthcare situations. Established patients can make an appointment through their MyChart account. New patients can book online or call 833-411-5469.
