Do I Need Minor Care?
Not sure if you should be seen? If you are struggling, you can never go wrong by asking a member of our clinical team. We can help you decide if a visit would be in your best interest.To help us better serve you, please be ready to answer these questions…
- How long have your symptoms been bothering you?
- Have your symptoms changed/increased/worsened?
Call our office at 509-332-8847, or come by and let one of our clinical team members triage your symptoms.
Can I Call Ahead And Reserve An Appointment? Do I Need An Appointment?
ReadyCare is a walk-in, minor care clinic. This means that we assist our patients based on a “first come, first served” waiting queue model. No need to call ahead unless you are unsure of whether or not you should come in to be seen.
It is always our goal to deliver the highest quality of professional health care within a timely fashion to our patients. Please be aware that due to the nature of the visits, varying waiting periods can be anticipated.
What Should I Expect At My Visit?
- Check-In At Front Desk – (register or provide current patient information)
- Identify Your Chief Complaint, Issue, Or Health Concern
- Complete A Brief Health Questionnaire (if not an established patient of Palouse Medical)
- You Are Then Placed In A Waiting Queue To Be Seen
After your visit, follow up appointments with a primary care provider can be scheduled.
What Types Of Health Concerns Are Better Treated Outside Of ReadyCare?
Our Team Always Has Your Best Health Interests At Heart!
When using ReadyCare, please be aware that we may need to triage your health concern to determine if our minor care clinic is the best place for you to receive the care that you require. There are many variables that contribute to whether or not a minor care clinic is the most appropriate place to be treated for a medical concern.It is important to remember that some health concerns cannot be properly addressed or treated in this setting and sometimes your care may require or be better suited for:
- An Appointment With Your Primary Care Provider
Some health concerns need to be addressed with a primary care provider who will be able to provide you with the follow up care that you require. Good examples of these types of concerns are chronic health concerns or if you are in need of medication refills.
- The Emergency Room
Emergency rooms have immediate access to diagnostic equipment and technologies that our minor care clinic doesn’t have available. Other medical issues are beyond the scope of minor care. We want you to get the care you need.
Who Can Use ReadyCare?
You don’t’ have to be a current Palouse Medical patient to use ReadyCare. It is open to patients of all ages, whether you are a resident or visitor. In most circumstances, we can bill insurance or accept payment at time of service. Please read number 6 below for more information.
How Does Billing Work For ReadyCare?“
Those With Health Insurance
ReadyCare is more affordable than the costs incurred at an Emergency Room. We accept and can bill most insurances with billing addresses in the United States (found on the back of your insurance card), but would require payment at time of service if we are unable to bill your insurance.
Those With State/Federal Health Insurance
If you are new to the area or visiting the Palouse, please contact our office to double check if we are able to take your insurance. Unfortunately, state/federal health assistance plans that are outside our network also mean that cannot accept payment for services. These insurances require that you are seen within a specific provider network.We also allow payment at time of service for most situations.
For More Questions
If you have a concern about billing, insurance or payments for services at ReadyCare, please call our billing office during Palouse Medical’s business hours (M-F from 8:00am-5:00pm) at 509-332-1229.
If you are calling after our billing office is closed, please feel free to check with the ReadyCare receptionist to see if they can answer your questions by calling, 509-332-8847.