During a time in which many small, rural hospitals are being forced to close their doors, Cook Medical Center saw an opportunity to evolve.

Recognizing the need for continually quality, accessible healthcare while still remaining economically viable, Convenient Care at Cook Family Wellness Center opened on March 1 of this year.

Seeking to continue its dedicated service to Adel and the surrounding areas, this convenient care clinic is not a full-service hospital, but it is an entry point for the evaluation and treatment of a wide variety of minor conditions and illnesses, regardless of the age of the patient. Championing convenience, as the name indicates, Convenient Care at Cook Family Wellness Center opens at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends and closes at 10 p.m. each night. This highly accessible format allows for after-hours assessment that often leads to immediate treatment.

If it is determined that the patient is encountering a more serious condition or illness and is in need of additional services that the clinic can not provide, then transport to the nearest emergency room is efficiently and effectively provided.

But therein lies the most pressing question: When is it appropriate to visit a Convenient Care Clinic?

We have compiled a guide to help answer the most common questions surrounding convenient care clinics, so that the next time you need to seek medical attention, you feel confident in the steps that you need to take.

• Do I go to the ER or Convenient Care?
  • Convenient care clinics are clinics open past normal operating hours that usually have access to labs and x-rays and can treat minor illnesses and conditions. Most do not have access to more advanced medical technologies like MRIs or CT scans, and they don’t often provide IV fluids. Convenient Care at Cook Family Wellness Center, however, offers access to labs and x-rays, including CT scans. If IV fluids are needed, they can be administered at Cook Medical Center.
  • If you would see your normal doctor about it, come to a convenient care clinic. These conditions or illnesses need to be treated right away but are not life-threatening.
  • In short, if it is a life-threatening emergency, immediately go to the ER.
• What are examples of conditions that are considered emergent and those that aren’t?
  • Come to Convenient Care for:
    • cold and flu symptoms
    • sinus infections, allergies
    • minor injuries, burns, sprains, strains
    • rashes, sore throats, ear infections
    • urinary tract infections
  • Go to the ER for:
    • difficulty breathing
    • chest pains
    • signs or symptoms of stroke or heart attack
    • major burns or blood loss
    • active childbirth/labor
    • seizures
    • unconsciousness
    • broken bones
    • alcohol or other type of poisoning

 

• Still unsure about where to go for the best medical treatment for your particular circumstance?
  • When in doubt, call the 24-hour nurse hotline. They can ask you questions about yourself or someone you think needs medical attention and advise you accordingly. Based on the symptoms, they can tell you if you should wait to see your regular doctor, go to a convenient care clinic, or go to the ER.

 

So for Cook County area residents, Convenient Care at Cook Family Wellness Center is a valuable resource for you, your loved ones, and your community. If you find yourself in need of medical attention, contact our team of medical professionals so that we can give you the quality care that you not only need, but deserve.

Main Line: 229-382-7120

24-Hour Nurse Line: 229-896-3424

In the case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Address:

Cook Family Wellness Center

103 James Street

Adel, GA 31620

Walk-ins accepted, appointments encouraged (including during the evenings or weekends)

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Health Life Magazine / May – June 2017 Edition

Cook Medical Center Editorial

Written by Cole Parker

Photography by Micki K Photography

Cook Family Wellness Center Extends Hours and Offers Convenience