After-5 Care for Sprains, Pains and Illnesses
Sore throats and twisted ankles don’t follow any human schedules. That’s why acute care, also known as urgent care, can be a wonderful option after 5 p.m.
Avera continues to expand its offerings of this convenient option for anyone facing an untimely illness or injury across the region.
What Is Acute Care and When Should You Use it?
After-hours care, which sometimes is called urgent or acute care, is simply a clinic open outside of daytime/weekday hours. Lab work and images, such as X-rays, are available at these clinics, too.
Acute care sites offer treatment for:
- Small cuts and lacerations
- Colds or flu
- Seasonal allergies
- Sinus infection
- Urinary tract infections
- Minor burns or rashes
- Eye infections
- Ear infections, colds and fevers
“Ear infections, colds and RSV and fevers – those are the top reasons we see patients of all ages at Avera after-hours clinics,” said Bridget Fechner, RN, MSN, a clinic manager with Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm. Fechner also leads Avera acute care. Acute care saves out-of-pocket expenses because it prevents an expensive trip to an emergency department in many cases.
'Save a Place' Feature in Sioux Falls
Avera now has an online “save a place in line” service at three Sioux Falls acute care clinics. With a single click, you’ll see wait times at each site, and you can get your name on the list. The service will text to share information about wait times.
“We’re excited to offer more services that fit the lives of our patients,” Fechner said.
Once you’ve saved a spot in line, you can make your way to your closest acute care facility. Sometimes waiting at home – instead of in a crowd – can reduce stress.
“When you have your spot saved, it can help, especially with kids who might be crying or fussy due to an earache or cold,” Fechner said.
When Not to Use Acute Care
Ryan Vanden Bosch, Assistant Vice President of the Avera Primary Care Service Line, said after-hours care shouldn’t substitute appointments with your regular doctor.
“We see acute care as a clinical space that is unique,” he added. “It’s a great option to have, but we encourage everyone to get in regularly with a family provider – it can really make a big difference in your health.”
It isn’t for preventive care, like immunizations, well-child checks or yearly checkups. Acute care is also not designed to determine your need for specialty care and set up referral appointments. “Those are appointment-based care services best served by your primary care provider,” Fechner said. Always make sure you understand your health care insurance coverage before heading to an after-hours clinic.
When You Need Emergency Care
For conditions that threaten a life, limb or organ, you should call 911 or go to one of Avera's emergency departments immediately.
“Critical problems, such as strokes, heart attacks or major trauma what our emergency teams handle every day,” Vanden Bosch said.
Specialized Care Options Expanding, Too
Avera is also expanding its specialized urgent care options.
Avera Orthopedic walk-in care is available in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen.
Orthopedic walk-in care is best for injuries like broken bones/fractures, sprains and strains, dislocation and sport-related injuries. They provide on-site services including digital X-rays, durable medical equipment, casting, splinting, injections and referrals if needed.
Avera Behavioral Health also offers specialized urgent care in Sioux Falls for people experiencing mental health crises. Its focus is matching the best level of care to the persons who need it. Behavioral Health urgent care is an innovative service that’s rare in the Midwest, as well as the nation.
Learn where your nearest urgent care location is located.
