Getting the appropriate level of care for illnesses or injuries
Not sure where to turn for care?
- He or she is most familiar with your health history.
- If possible, your regular doctor/provider will try to see you.
- If not available, another provider may be able to see you that day.
If your primary care provider cannot see you and another provider is not available, other options are:
| Urgent Care |
ExpressCare
(Ages 2 and up) |
Emergency Department |
- Non-life threatening illness or injury
- Your primary care provider is unavailable
- After regular clinic hours
- You should go to Urgent Care for:
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises, skin rashes, insect bites and minor burns
- Colds, flu, sore throat
- Ear pain
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Back pain—sudden or recent onset
- Strains, sprains and minor injuries
- Urinary burning
Find an Urgent Care location.
|
For common illnesses:
- Bladder/urinary tract infections (female, age 12+)
- Bronchitis
- Common warts
- Ear pain, infections or excess wax
- Flu/influenza
- Insect/tick bites
- Mononucleosis
- Pink eye
- Seasonal allergies
- Sinus infections
Find an ExpressCare location.
|
- Life-threatening illness or serious injuries
- Call 911 or go directly to the Gundersen Trauma & Emergency Center for:
- Chest pain/heart attack
- Numbness or weakness on one side/stroke symptoms
- Changes in vision or trouble speaking
- Confusion or change in mental status
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Broken bones
- Loss of consciousness/head injuries
- Severe headache—sudden onset
- Suicide attempt
- Suicidal thoughts or threats
- Severe cuts
- Alcohol or drug intoxication or overdose
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pregnancy-related problems (bleeding or abdominal pain)
Learn more about Gundersen Trauma & Emergency Center
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How are wait times calculated?
Our wait times represent our best average estimate from the time you are registered until you see a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. They are based on an average of wait times over the last hour and are refreshed every half hour. Patients with the most serious illnesses/injuries will be seen first. Wait times may be affected by the number of patients in the emergency or Urgent Care department and the severity of their conditions.These times are provided for informational purposes only and cannot be guaranteed. They may be subject to change without notice.
Speak to one of our nurses
If you are unsure of which place you should go for care, contact Gundersen's Telephone Nurse Advisor at (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050.
- Available 24/7 to answer your questions or address your health concerns.
- Specially trained registered nurses
- Help you decide whether you need emergency care or urgent care, an appointment with your regular doctor/provider or if you can handle the problem at home with advice.
- Free service of Gundersen Health System
Need a primary care doctor/provider?
If you do not have a regular healthcare provider at Gundersen or you have not been seen in the past three years, we can help you establish care with a primary care provider.
New Patient Registration Line: (608) 775-0601