Content Updated April 3, 2024:
As the highly anticipated total solar eclipse approaches on Monday, April 8, 2024, this region is expecting tens-of-thousands of residents and visitors alike to witness this extraordinary celestial event. Whether individuals choose to observe the eclipse at large public gatherings, at home, or not at all, your local, independent healthcare system, Columbus Regional Health, is ready to care for our patients, the region we serve and any visitors to the area.
Our teams have been working for months to ensure that Columbus Regional Health staff and facilities are prepared for the increase of population in the area, and eclipse-related events and circumstances that may increase need for medical and safety services.
Columbus Regional Health's Emergency Department is fully staffed and ready treat patients with life-threatening illness or injury. CRH Ambulance Services will also have numerous ambulances and emergency response vehicles stationed throughout Bartholomew County to respond quickly and uphold the exemplary service residents have come to expect from CRH EMS.
CRH's outpatient urgent care clinic, PromptMed, is available to those suffering from mild to moderate illnesses and injuries for those that cannot see their primary care provider, need more urgent attention or are visiting from out of town. Please note, many of our primary care offices and outpatient services have altered hours on the day of the eclipse. For an updated listing click here.
The following original blog covers how to know when and where to seek medical attention with a need arises:
The best care, at the right time
Sometimes accidents happen, something just doesn't feel right, or those germs your toddler has been collecting at daycare show up ready to spread through the rest of the family. When things are "off," and you or a loved one may need medical attention, it can be hard to tell when to see care and what type or level of healthcare is required.
There are three main locations to seek care when you have a medical issue. Your primary care provider’s office, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency department. Each have different levels of urgency and each come with a different cost.
Please note, an emergency is defined as an imminent or potential threat to life or personal safety. In an emergency you should call or text 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
If you are experiencing a medical event that is not a true, life-threatening emergency, then one of the other options for care is probably your best bet. A primary care provider is your go-to professional for routine check-ups, physicals, mild acute illness, immunizations, health advice, chronic illness management, medication refills, routine tests, and the like. Urgent care is a great option for more serious, but not life-threatening illness or injury, such cuts or burns, animal or insect bites, sprains, strains or dislocated joints. An urgent care provider is also a great option if you experience cold, flu or other upper-respiratory or unexplained gastrointestinal issues and you cannot get into a primary care provider or you are traveling to or visiting a location.
Below is a quick guide to various illnesses or injuries and the best location to seek care.
Need help finding a provider or navigating the health system? WellConnect offers this FREE service and allows you to talk to a live Connection Specialist. The WellConnect Connection Specialists are available by phone (812) 376-5136, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm or by email [email protected].
