Thursday, February 3, 2011

Urgent vs. Emergency Care

Overlake Hospital Medical Center website quoted:
"When involved in a situation where immediate medical treatment is necessary --whether it's a child ear infection of a spouse's chest pain--what level of care is appropriate?  The following chart is intended to assist you in determining where it's best to receive treatment for particular illnesses and injuries.  In the case of an emergency or life-threatening condition, call 911. 
DID YOU KNOW:  Urgent Care and Emergency Care serve very different types of patients and conditions.  When used appropriately for non-life-threatening conditions, Urgent Care can be a cost-effective treatment option, with a co-pay that is usually less than one for an emergency room visit."   
Comment:  Overlake Medical Center Issaquah - Urgent Care Center is the only Urgent Care clinic in the greater Redmond area offering walk-in service 24/7.  The clinic is ~ 10.7 miles from Redmond.   B.Y.

6 comments:

  1. On a side note I would like to recommend the Evergreen primary and emergency care centers in Redmond. I have been to both several times and found them to be very professional and affordable. They also do a great job of working with you when it comes to finances. I am one of the millions in this country who do not have health insurance. Getting health care I can afford is very important to me. Evergreen offers a 20% discount for those without insurance and an additional 15% if you pay at the time of services. Getting 35% right off the top makes all the difference in the world to someone like me. Plus Overlake is a private entity and can absolutely turn you away if you do not have insurance, even in an emergency.

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  2. Hi Carla - That's interesting. But, how can you recommend the Redmond emergency care center when it isn't open yet?

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  3. Thanks for pointing out my gaff Bob. I misspoke. I have been to the emergency center in Kirkland and absolutely would recommend them. What I meant to draw attention to is the minor emergency center and primary care centers in Redmond.

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  4. Thanks for sharing this blog. Since there are tons of emergency care centers nowadays and it is hard what and where to choose I still do believe in some reviews since it is hard to select which one is telling the truth.

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  5. Overlake has since opened a large Urgent Care Clinic on Redmond Way with pretty good hours. Healthworks Urgent Care / Clinic has moved closer to Overlake's UC. My wifes's experience was with a Physician's Assistent who sent her to the ER of our choice (Evergreen or Overlake) We chose Overlake thinking Pam's medical records between their UC and Hospital ER would be quickly transfered - as well as the notification we'd be arriving and they'd be ready for us. Also, the P.A. said their computer clock showed a short wait time. Interesting outcome...

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  6. Note, according to Overlake, "severe pain" is a symptom qualifying for a visit to the ER.

    However, if you have mild to moderate pain, according to Overlake, it's not "urgent" and you don't have to go to Overlake's Urgent Care Center. Just go to your primary care doctor.

    I have a family member who was sent to the Overlake ER for moderate pain (5-6 on a scale of 10). She was referred by Overlake Urgent Care to the ER. hmmmmm Constipation can be expensive :)

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