MINOR CARE CENTER

Tri-State’s Minor Care Center is the place to turn when you need health care during your busy day, at night, on the weekends or when your primary physician’s office is closed.

Minor Care is located within the Emergency Department, and is staffed by a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. After hours, the Emergency Department physician will see to minor care needs.

Minor Care doesn’t require an appointment and provides treatment for most minor injuries, illnesses and conditions, including:

• Colds, flu, sore throat and fever

• Earaches and headaches

• Allergies

• Cuts and scrapes

• Sprains and strains

• Fractures

• Back pain

• Sports injuries

• Urinary tract infections

• Nausea

• Women’s health

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you go to Minor Care?

• The physicians and medical staff in Minor Care are there to address any illness or injury that is not life or limb threatening. For more serious health concerns, you should call 911 or go to Tri-State Hospital’s Emergency Department.

How much does it cost?

• Our clinical staff will determine the level of care (Minor versus Emergency) that is most appropriate for your condition. It is also important to know that Emergency Room/Minor Care charges may include a physician fee, a facility charge and a charge for any other tests or procedures that were conducted.

How long will I have to wait to see a physician?

• Emergency Room patients are always seen first and our goal is to see every Minor Care patient as quickly as possible. If your condition changes or your symptoms become severe, please ask to speak to a nurse. There are times when Emergency Care patient volumes may increase, causing wait times to lengthen. We do monitor wait times and make every effort to ensure a speedy visit.

When I try to check in, I get sent to see the nurse and then back to the Registration Department. Why is this?

• An assessment and priority assignment by medical personnel is completed prior to registration. An assessment is important to make sure that any serious medical conditions are identified prior to completing the registration process

What is Minor Care?

• Minor Care is defined as care that is needed for a “bothersome” illness or injury, such as minor coughs, colds, or sprains. The injury or illness is not life threatening and waiting for care will not cause a significant risk to the patient.

I came to be seen in Minor Care, but my bill came back with Emergency Services billing. Why is that?

• Your status is dependent on your medical condition and the physician’s examination. Not all services are provided under Minor Care billing. Please review the prior question for the definition of Minor Care.

Call the Minor Care Center at 509.758.4665 with more questions.