Acute Care
The Acute Care Department is open to in-person visits from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days per week, for those with serious or acute illnesses or injuries.
Acute illnesses or injuries require prompt care but will not generally cause loss of life or severe impairment if left untreated for a brief time:
- Requires prompt medical attention to avoid severe deterioration of your health.
- Cannot be adequately managed without urgent care or treatment.
- Does not require the level of care provided in a hospital emergency department.
- Requires immediate outpatient medical care that cannot wait for your provider to become available.
Call Acute Care (203-432-0123) before coming in. When you call Acute Care, you will speak with a nurse who will ask you detailed questions about your condition and determine your best care plan. This may include:
- A visit with an Acute Care provider, either in-person or telemedicine (telephone or video), depending on the medical need
- An appointment at Yale Health with your primary care team during regular hours
- Self-care at home
- A referral to the Emergency Department
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
Note about Pediatrics:
Our pediatric triage team is available by phone Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. After hours the Acute Care staff will contact the on-call pediatrician if necessary. A pediatric provider is available in Acute Care to see patients with acute problems from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
A copay may apply to after-hours Acute Care visits.
After hours:
- Monday - Friday, 6 p.m. - 8 a.m.
- Weekends
- University holidays and recess days
Copays are due at the time of service. You are responsible for knowing the coverage terms of your health benefit. Check your schedule of benefits.
Related Health Topics
Chief
Associate Chief
Clinical Manager
Clinicians
Nurses
Medical Assistants
FAQs
What should I do if I have an emergency?
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. When possible, call Acute Care at 203-432-0123 before going to the hospital Emergency Department. When you call and let us know you are going to the Emergency Department, a nurse can follow up on your care and make sure that your primary care clinician knows as well. If you are unable to call before you go, be sure to call the Referrals Department at 203-432-7397 within 48 hours of receiving care.
What do I do if I have a need to see someone today but it is not an “acute" problem?
For advice about medical problems which are not acute during regular business hours and days, please contact Internal Medicine for adults 203-432-0038, Pediatrics for children at 203-432-0206, or Student Health for students and student dependents 203-432-0312. The nurse will give you home care advice or get you an appointment with your primary care team.
During evenings and weekends, please call Acute Care at 203-432-0123.