Confused about when to go to Immediate Care versus the ER? You are not alone. Most of know that Immediate Care is prepared to help when we have a sore throat or a bout of the flu, but White-Wilson Immediate Care Clinics are also equipped to handle many minor injuries that you may equate with an emergency room visit, like needing stitches. 
“We are in the business of getting people treated and back to their daily activities as quickly as possible,” White-Wilson Immediate Care Physician, Dr. Kurt Eppley, explains. “Our team is trained to treat most minor injuries in clinic. This includes lacerations that may require stitches, movement-related injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, sports-related injuries and worksite injuries.”
“People may automatically think the emergency room is their only option. The truth is, however, we are able to meet the needs for most minor injuries, get you in and out quickly and save you money,” advises Dr. Eppley. “We have expanded our weekend hours, are accustomed to caring for children and adults and, for many, the out of pocket expense for an Immediate Care visit is far less than a visit to the ER.”
Each of White-Wilson’s Immediate Care Clinic locations provides lab and imaging services. This helps to ensure that patients can get their results quickly and they don’t have to go offsite for additional testing. White-Wilson also provides a network of specialists that may be consulted as needed.
“In instances where additional care from a specialist is needed, we have the ability to consult the vast network of White-Wilson specialists,” explains Dr. Eppley. “For issues such as an injury that requires an orthopaedic surgeon or an ophthalmologist, we can offer referrals and work with you to get the care you need. With our electronic medical record, all White-Wilson health care providers have access to notes and test results from your visits.”
White-Wilson Immediate Care can offer assistance in the case of many injuries and illnesses; however, an emergency department is better equipped to address major injuries such as traumatic wounds, bones protruding through the skin or suspected heart attacks and strokes. When this is the case, patients are advised to call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
“In Immediate Care, we are here for almost anything life throws your way,” says Dr. Eppley. “If your weekend hike or your fishing trip don’t go as planned, if you take a fall at work or if you are just feeling under the weather, we are here for you.”
White-Wilson Immediate Care Clinics in Fort Walton Beach, Destin Navarre and Niceville offer same-day appointments and accept walk-ins. For more information about hours and locations, visit white-wilson.com.
