That may be, but many offices have same day appointment availability. Our office is usually able to accommodate the majority of our sick patients.
Same here. Most of our patients who end up in urgent care never even called us.
They get this letter:
We received records about your recent visit to the emergency department, urgent care center, or retail health clinic. Thank you for the opportunity to review this information, as it helps us to better meet your needs when you next contact our office. Please don't hesitate to call us if you need specific follow-up care from your recent visit.
We'd like you to know that we have same-day appointments and after hours coverage so that we can be available to you for urgent matters, including:
- A doctor is available after hours for many urgent concerns; you can reach us using the normal office number. Our answering service will contact the physician who is on call. He or she will call you back promptly.
- We have "same day appointments" in our schedules, for unexpected or urgent medical needs.
- We have an after hours clinic available at our _____ office from 6-8pm on weekdays, and 9am-2pm on weekends. No appointment is needed. They are located at _____. Their phone number is (___)___-____.
The advantages of seeking care through your primary care physician include:
- Greater continuity of care. We have a more complete record and understanding of your past history and what medicines you take. This helps you receive medication that will not interfere with other medications you may already be taking.
- Our practice is committed to following nationally accepted guidelines, including when it's appropriate to prescribe antibiotics and other medications.
- Your out-of-pocket expense (e.g., copayment) is generally much less for services at our office than at other locations.
- In many instances, you will avoid lengthy waiting times to be seen in emergency rooms and other settings for non-emergent services.
- Most importantly, we like to see our patients and help them get the best possible care!
Thanks again for including us in the follow-up notes, and please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions about this letter or for any of your health concerns. Stay well!
