01/22/2016

Immediate Care Options Explained

There are lots of health care choices in today’s world. The retail medicine industry has exploded, and now there’s a good chance you can find a walk-in health center close-by. But, how do you know when it is appropriate to visit a walk-in center, an urgent care center, the Emergency Room or make an appointment with your doctor for your health care needs, or those of a loved one?

This is a great question, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is here for you to provide some answers, and some choices, so you can make the best decision when you need immediate care.

“It can wait for my next appointment.”

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Wentworth Health Partners primary care providers are here for both your routine health needs – such as physicals, check- ups and preventative care – and for more advanced management of serious conditions. With 13 offices and over 40 providers in the surrounding community, our team is available for you. Don’t have a primary care provider? Call (603) 740-2377 and we will help you find the right match for your needs.

“I’d like to get this taken care of today.”

PROMPT CARE

Walk-In Prompt Care is designed to be a convenient alternative when you cannot get an appointment with your primary care provider for an immediate healthcare need. It is staffed by board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners to provide care for minor conditions, such as ear, nose and throat irritations, colds and flu, rashes, minor infections, back or joint pain, vomiting/nausea, and more.

Prompt Care - Dover is a service available to anyone with a Wentworth Health Partners primary care provider, and costs the same as an office visit.

Prompt Care - Portsmouth/Pease is a walk-in service open to everyone.

“This is hurting and needs immediate attention.”

EXPRESS CARE/URGENT CARE

Wentworth-Douglass Express Care provides walk-in urgent care. The provider team from Seacoast Emergency Physicians offers immediate urgent care for emergencies that don’t quite necessitate a trip to the ER. Or, if they do, you will be transferred seamlessly to the Emergency Department at Wentworth-Douglass for advanced care. From accidents and injuries to colds, flus and other illnesses, the team of certified emergency specialists provides expert care for life’s small emergencies. With on-site lab and x-ray equipment, Express Care can handle more severe urgent care services, such as broken bones, burns and other conditions that a walkin center cannot.

Wentworth-Douglass Express Care is conveniently located in Dover (just down the street from the hospital) and Lee (near the Lee Traffic Circle). Patients using this service do not need to be associated with WentworthDouglass and can walk right in, or check-in online to shorten the wait time before visiting. Costs for services here are mid-range, but less than a visit to the emergency room.

“This can’t wait and is life threatening.”

EMERGENCY

Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room right away if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms: Difficulty breathing or choking

• Any type of severe pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk, or move
• Dizziness or weakness that does not go away
• Suddenly weak or drooping on one side of the body
• Coughing up or throwing up blood
• Severe allergic reactions
• Deep wound or serious burn
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop

When an emergency happens, you can rest assured you are in good hands at the Wentworth-Douglass Emergency Department. As a Level III Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, the specialized team, including physicians from Seacoast Emergency Physicians, is ready to treat almost every injury and illness. Comprised of Board-certified physicians, providers, nurses and clinical staff specially trained to provide exceptional care, you will have access to the latest treatment and emergency protocols 24-7 thanks to a clinical affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Program. Wentworth-Douglass also has received advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center, and an affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital provides advanced diagnosis and treatments for patients experiencing a stroke. Our Emergency Department staff is actively engaged in research, education, prevention, disaster planning, community education, public safety policy, toxicology, pre-hospital care and emergency trauma medicine. No matter your health care need, you can trust the team at Wentworth-Douglass to provide top-notch care, close to home.