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Acute Care

 Dr. McCarthy and Patient

Welcome to Yale Health Acute Care

Your Health, Our Priority

The Acute Care Department is open seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and offers in-person visits for serious or acute illnesses or injuries.

We are dedicated to providing you with the urgent care you need when you need it. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

What is Acute Care?

Acute illnesses or injuries require swift medical attention but typically will not cause life-threatening situations or severe impairment if treated promptly. Here’s what qualifies:

  • Prompt Medical Attention: Necessary to avoid significant health deterioration.
  • Urgent Care: Needed immediately and cannot wait for your regular provider.
  • Non-hospital care: This does not require care offered by the hospital emergency department, but it is still urgent.
  • Some examples of Acute Care visits:
    • Sprains and strains
    • Vomiting
    • Chest Pain
    • Minor cuts that may require stitches
    • Dizziness
    • Abdominal pain

For Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call 911 immediately.

How to Get Started:

Before coming in, call us at (203) 432-0123. You will speak with a nurse who will assess your condition and guide you to the best care option. This may include:

  • In-Person or Telemedicine Visit: Depending on your needs, we may schedule a visit with an Acute Care provider.
  • Primary Care Appointment: We may schedule you with your primary care team for less urgent needs during regular hours.
  • Self-Care Guidance: Recommendations on how to care for yourself at home.
  • Emergency Department Referral: For severe conditions requiring hospital care.

Pediatrics Note:

Our pediatric triage team is available by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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 on Saturdays, Sundays, recess days, and holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call before coming in.

Copay Information:

  • After Hours: A copay may apply for visits after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, weekends, University holidays, and recess days.
  • Copays are due at the time of service. Please be aware of your health benefits coverage; check your Schedule of Benefits.

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.

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