Walk-in centers offer shorter wait times

PORTLAND, Maine, July 20 (UPI) -- A program offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine provides non-emergency care that helps avoid busy hospital emergency rooms.

"If you have a less serious issue -- like a sprained ankle, insect bite or severe sun burn -- a walk-in center may be a far better option and save you time as well as money," Jeffrey Holmstrom, medical director of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, said in a statement.

Since last summer, Anthem has put together a network of 19 walk-in centers across Maine, which, in addition to lower out-of-pocket costs, offer wait times far shorter than those of emergency room non-critical care, Holmstrom says.

Generally, walk-in centers may be used for:

-- Minor allergic reactions.
-- Mild asthma.
-- Coughs, sore throat.
-- Bumps, minor cuts, scrapes.
-- Rashes, minor burns.
-- Sprains.
-- Minor fevers, colds.
-- Minor headaches.
-- Ear or sinus pain.
-- Burning with urination.
-- Eye swelling, irritation, redness or pain.
-- Back pain.
-- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
-- Minor animal bites.
-- Vaccinations.
-- X-rays.
-- Stitches

Emergency rooms should be used for:

-- Any life-threatening or disabling condition.
-- Sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness.
-- Chest pain; numbness in the face, arm or leg; difficulty speaking.
-- Severe shortness of breath.
-- High fever with stiff neck, mental confusion or difficulty breathing.
-- Coughing or a wound that won't stop bleeding.
-- Major injuries.
-- Possible broken bones.

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