St. Clair Adds Express Care to Improve Patient Access to Quality Care
By Andrew Wilson
Everyone has a day when they wake not feeling their best. Maybe it’s an ache or pain that can be explained away by having slept in an uncomfortable position. Or maybe it’s a tickle in the throat or a general feeling of “blah.” Whatever the ailment, most times these are no cause for alarm.
“It’s completely normal to have an occasional headache or muscle ache,” said Amanda Hercules Smith, M.D. “However, if it doesn’t pass in time or improve with rest and hydration, it may be something that needs further attention. But that does not always mean a trip to the emergency room.”
As an internal medicine physician and the Medical Director of St. Clair Health Urgent Care, Dr. Hercules Smith knows what signals a need for further medical attention. She understands, however, that the average person might not know when to seek help or what level of care is appropriate.
She emphasizes, “Listen to your body. If it feels differently than anything that you have felt before, and it’s not improving, seek medical attention.”
As a rule of thumb, there are four levels of seeking immediate care – the doctor’s office, an Express Care, an Urgent Care, and the emergency department at a hospital. Knowing when to use each level of care can save wait time and ensure a patient’s condition is treated efficiently and effectively as soon as possible.
Dr. Hercules Smith says your primary care physician’s office is a place for management of chronic conditions and minor illnesses like the common cold or the flu, or seasonal allergies.
When to go to the doctor’s office
If symptoms are mild and you can wait a day or two for an appointment.
An Express Care facility is where a person might go for treatment of a minor injury, like a sprained ankle, or a simple illness that occurs after the doctor’s office is closed.
When to go to Express Care
If your doctor’s office is closed but you need timely attention the same day. It is walk-in service, with no appointment required.
St. Clair Health is expanding access to care by opening a new Express Care at Peters Township Outpatient Center.
“At Express Care, we offer streamlined care, convenient care,” said Dr. Hercules Smith. “It’s after-hours care of minor injuries or ailments.”
She continued: “The St. Clair mission is providing convenient patient-centered care. We want patients to know we’re here and we’re expanding access. In this way, we are empowering our patient population so they can get the right access to the care they need.”
The type of services offered at an Urgent Care facility are a step up from Express Care. While still not intended for life-threatening conditions, Urgent Care is where a patient might receive treatment for more severe sprains or lacerations. St. Clair Urgent Care offers limited intravenous (IV) fluids for management of dehydration, limited IV antibiotics for certain infections, and treatment for common illnesses, such as COVID and the flu.
When to go to Urgent Care
Prompt treatment is needed within hours.
The fourth level of care is a hospital’s emergency department. This should be used for life threatening emergencies, chest pain, abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding, severe headaches, stroke symptoms, head trauma, or broken bones. Any illness that cannot wait should be seen in an emergency room.
When to go to the Emergency Department
Do not wait!
“The red flags that signal someone should be taken immediately to the emergency room are difficulty breathing, chest pain, weakness in one side, or uncontrolled bleeding,” said Dr. Hercules Smith.
Dr. Amanda Hercules Smith serves as the Medical Director of St. Clair Health Urgent Care. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hercules Smith earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital. She also earned a master's degree in Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Hercules Smith practices with St. Clair Medical Group Internal Medicine and sees patients at the following office locations:
350 Broughton Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
(412) 835-4886
1025 Washington Pike, Suite 3
Bridgeville, PA 15107
(412) 221-3377