Health library

Union County's demand for primary care is high. Much of the increase is due to several thousand of our local residents who—for the first time—have become eligible for Medicaid. We continue to see an increase in demand partly due to increased participation in health insurance exchanges. Because of this, we are always searching for primary care providers willing to relocate to Union County.

If you have yet to establish with a primary care provider—or even if you have, but you need care now—we offer two alternatives for primary care when emergency services aren't appropriate. The last place you want to be when you have the flu or a miserable cold is an emergency department waiting room.

Two choices for same-day care are the GRH Walk-In Clinic, currently located at 506 Fourth St., or GRH ReadyCare via our virtual clinic at readycare.grh.org. Both are staffed with experienced doctors and nurse practitioners ready to treat minor mishaps or common illnesses like colds and flu, cough, sore throat and strep, sinus infections, or pinkeye and sties. Both can address primary care issues like allergies and hay fever symptoms, or even diagnose and treat a suspected bladder infection.

Care at the Walk-In Clinic also includes treating minor injuries like abrasions and sprains or strains, and it's your source for simple procedures like removing earwax and splinters. We even suture small lacerations—all injuries you might think you need a trip to the Emergency Department for, but you don't!

The Walk-In Clinic is appropriate for care of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, and accepts most insurances, including Medicare. Although we do not schedule appointments, our convenient online check-in allows you to see what time slots are open and get in line before you head to the clinic. Our online check-in option allows you to see how full the clinic may already be and whether you should call ahead to find out if the clinic waiting room is already at full capacity. This may sometimes be the case because there is such high demand for immediate care. However, Sundays are usually less busy than any other day of the week.

We bring the clinic to you

Care via the GRH ReadyCare Virtual Clinic is an especially great option during the frozen, snowy months in Union County. If you are unable to be seen at the Walk-In Clinic due to capacity, think about trying an online virtual clinic where we bring the clinic to you.

GRH ReadyCare is a great option for those minor illnesses and common conditions already listed above. Be treated without leaving home by an online team of providers trained for virtual patient care. It's easy, safe, secure and confidential. You have 24/7 access to simple primary care for you and your family wherever you have access to the internet or a phone.

GRH ReadyCare is staffed by board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners that specialize in delivering quality and patient-focused care. They are experienced in providing consultation, diagnosis and treatment through Skype, FaceTime, and video chat or over the phone 24/7 without an appointment. With a patient satisfaction rate of 98 percent, ReadyCare providers deliver excellence in virtual medicine.

Virtual visits typically last about 20 minutes. You are charged $35 per visit, payable by debit or credit card only. GRH ReadyCare will provide a summary of your visit online and make arrangements for follow-up if it is required. Any prescriptions your virtual provider deems appropriate will be called in to your pharmacy.

To see pictures and read more about the ReadyCare providers or to learn about insurance coverage, expense reimbursement and restrictions to virtual care, please visit grhreadycare.anytime.org.