We are committed to your health
When you're feeling sick or are injured, there are several places you can go for medical care: a clinic, an urgent care center, or the emergency room.
Your Primary Medical Clinic Is Your First Option for Non-Emergencies
Your primary care provider should be your first call in non-emergency situations. Your provider knows you and your health history, including what medications you are taking and what chronic conditions might need to be considered in your treatment. Plus, the co-pay for a visit to your doctor's office will cost far less than a trip to the emergency room. This option can also help you avoid the long wait times typically found in an emergency room. Even if your provider is unavailable or not an expert in the area of care you need, they can refer you to a specialist or another medical professional.
Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care centers and retail health clinics are good options if you can't reach your provider or need care outside of regular office hours. Retail health clinics are found in many large pharmacies and retail stores and are walk-in clinics staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They are designed to treat simple conditions, like colds and flu, ear infections, and skin conditions. On the other hand, urgent care centers, with physicians on staff, can provide care for a wider range of conditions, including performing X-rays.
Emergency Rooms Treat Serious Issues
Emergency rooms are designed to treat urgent, acute, and life-threatening conditions and aren't the place for routine care or minor ailments. If you are dealing with a health emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Otherwise, one of the above options is a great choice and will clear the way for patients needing emergency treatment.
Make sure of the following before your appointment:
Cates Care takes your insurance: we do not take Medicare and Medicaid.
You have no other medical appointments scheduled for the same day you are scheduled at Cates Care. Insurance only covers one visit per day. If you have another appointment with another facility on the same day you are seen by us, you will be responsible for the total cost of your visit.
Provide an up to date list of your current medications