Fall-Winter 2026 11 Imagine a situation where you’re experiencing a non-life-threatening illness or injury. Maybe it’s the weekend or an evening, and your primary care office is closed. Do you wait until they reopen? Do you head for the emergency room? The best option in this scenario is to go to immediate care, which sees patients 18 months and older for cold and flu symptoms, UTIs, and much more. “We can evaluate and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries,” says Cheryl Hansen, nurse practitioner with Riverside Immediate Care. “We perform x-rays, lab testing, minor laceration repairs, treatment for work-related injuries, and much more. Another misconception is that patients need an appointment. We welcome walkins as well.” Appointments can, however, be made in advance through myRiverside MyChart, which also connects the immediate care staff to your health record—creating a seamless sequence of care. Save time and money Immediate care services In addition to the services listed above, immediate care can also see patients for: ● Sprains and strains ● Headaches and back pain ● Poison ivy ● Allergies and minor allergic reactions ● School and sports physicals ● Sinus infections ● Pink eye (conjunctivitis) ● Stitches for lacerations/basic cuts ● Splinter removal ● Ear infections ● On-site labs and x-ray Saving time and money In situations that are urgent but not emergencies, it is best to go to immediate care as opposed to the emergency room. Doing so can save time and money. “One patient came in after a fall and was convinced that they’d need to spend hours sitting in the ER and incur a large bill,” says Hansen. “We were able to evaluate the injury and get some x-rays there on-site. Then we were able to diagnose, provide the treatment, and even coordinate his follow-up care all in one visit. He was genuinely surprised by how much we could accomplish in immediate care and how much time and money was saved.” with immediate care Need immediate care? Riverside Immediate Care has locations in Bourbonnais, Bradley, Coal City, Kankakee, and Watseka. For more information, please visit myrhc.net/ic.
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