Same-Day Care Options

When you or a loved one is injured or sick, deciding where to go for same-day medical care can be stressful and confusing. Here to help us understand the different same-day care options is Emily R. Valkenburgh, MD, MPH. Dr. Valkenburgh is a primary care physician who practices at the Cedarburg Clinic. 

How do we know when the hospital emergency department is the right choice?

As a mother, a daughter, a primary care doctor, I know how scary and anxiety-provoking it can be when you're suddenly sick or injured. We've all been there, and there are many different options. The emergency department is often what comes to mind first for most of us, and it can be the right choice when you're facing permanent disability or death. So, situations like a heart attack, stroke, excessive bleeding, overdose. In those situations, you should always call 911. 

What are the other same-day care options?

A great place to start is calling your primary care clinic. They know you the best and can help direct you to the right option in the moment. So, your primary care doctor can often see you that same day in the clinic or virtually. And if they're not available, they can direct you to other options that we have. So those include:

• Virtual care
• FastCare clinics for minor illnesses
• Urgent care for more serious but non-life-threatening conditions 
• Ortho Now for musculoskeletal injuries
• Spine Now for back and neck injuries

What are the advantages to choosing care with the Froedtert & MCW health network? 

I'm really proud to be part of a network of competent, kind and qualified providers who are part of eastern Wisconsin's only academic medical center. We practice the latest evidence-based care, and you get better health. We have specialists and subspecialists who are experts in their field.