Dec. 13, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

Sore throats and twisted ankles don’t follow any human schedules. That’s why urgent care can be a wonderful option after 5 p.m. in Sioux Falls. Avera continues to expand its offerings of this convenient option for anyone facing an untimely illness or injury.

“We’re excited to offer more services that fit the lives of our patients,” said Bridget Fechner, a registered nurse and the clinic manager with Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm, who also leads Avera Urgent Care.

Another easy-to-use feature Avera offers patients and families is the online “save a place in line” service. With a single click, you’ll see wait times at each site, and you can get your name on the list. The service will text to share information about wait times.

“With cold, flu and RSV season really coming on, we’re seeing more people put this helpful service into use,” said Ryan Vanden Bosch, assistant vice president of the Avera Primary Care Service Line. “We’ve used it for about a year, and we’re seeing new users save their spot in line each day.”

Once you’ve saved a spot in line, you can make your way to your closest urgent care facility. Sometimes, waiting at home – instead of in a crowd – can reduce stress.

“When you have your spot saved, it can help, especially with kids who might be crying or fussy due to an earache or cold,” Fechner said.

What is Urgent Care and when is it open?

After-hours care, which sometimes is called urgent or acute care, is simply a clinic open outside of daytime and weekday hours.

“Urgent care clinics provide medical care for acute illnesses, such as sore throats, ear infections and minor injuries,” Fechner said. “Our providers can diagnose many illnesses and provide timely treatment.”

Avera Urgent Care locations in Sioux Falls are open from 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Sundays. There are three convenient locations at 2100 S. Marion Road, the east-side Dawley Farm Village and at 69th and Western.

Lab work and images, such as X-rays, are available at these clinics too.

Vanden Bosch said after-hours care shouldn’t substitute appointments with your regular doctor. “We see urgent care as a clinical space that is unique,” he added.

Urgent care isn’t for preventive care, like immunizations, well-child checks or yearly checkups. Urgent care also is not designed to determine your need for specialty care or to set up referral appointments.

“Those are appointment-based care services best served by your primary care provider,” Fechner said. Always make sure you understand your health care insurance coverage before heading to an after-hours clinic.

Urgent care can save time, pain, money

Urgent care sites offer treatment for:

• Small cuts and lacerations
• Colds or flu
• Seasonal allergies
• Sinus infection
• Urinary tract infections
• Minor burns or rashes
• Eye infections

“Ear infections, colds and RSV and fevers – those are the top reasons we see patients of all ages at Avera after-hours clinics,” Fechner added. Urgent care saves out-of-pocket expenses because it prevents an expensive trip to an emergency department in many cases.

“Urgent care is a great option to have, but we encourage everyone to get in regularly with a primary care provider – it can really make a big difference in your health,” Vanden Bosch said.

When you need emergency care

For conditions that threaten a life, limb or organ, you should call 911 or go to one of Avera’s emergency departments immediately.

“Critical problems, such as strokes, heart attacks or major trauma, are what our emergency teams handle every day,” Vanden Bosch said.

Specialized care available when needed

Sioux Falls offers specialized urgent care options. Avera Orthopedic walk-in care will be available at two locations starting in January. It’s currently offered at the Avera Human Performance Center, 6800 S. Louise Ave., and staffed by experienced orthopedic providers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The new Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm also will offer orthopedic walk-in care from 8 a.m. to  5 p.m. weekdays. Orthopedic walk-in care is best for injuries like broken bones and fractures, sprains and strains, dislocation and sport-related injuries. They provide on-site services, including digital X-rays, durable medical equipment, casting, splinting, injections and referrals if needed.

Avera Behavioral Health also offers specialized urgent care for people experiencing mental health crises. Its focus is matching the best level of care to the people who need it. Behavioral Health Urgent Care is an innovative service that’s rare in the Midwest, as well as the nation.

Get information on all the urgent care options Avera offers in Sioux Falls.