With UVM Medical Center full, how to know when to go to primary care, urgent care or ER

Dan D'Ambrosio, Burlington Free Press
·3 min read

As part of its strategy to deal with the constant crush of patients that has kept the University of Vermont Medical Center at or near capacity since the pandemic, the hospital sent out a news release recently reminding residents of various options for medical care. The hospital broke down the options according to ailments as a way to guide people to an option other than the UVM Medical Center, depending on the ailment.

The hospital's 365 beds for medical and surgical patients, including the intensive care unit, are 99% to 100% full almost every day, according to spokeswoman Annie Mackin. Dr. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of the Medical Center, said staff are struggling every day with where to put too many patients.

Primary care

Primary care is for when your condition is non-urgent or you need a prescription refill, according to UVM Medical Center. The primary care provider − assuming you have one − is familiar with your medical history and can provide personalized care, often with shorter wait times for an appointment than you would get at the UVM Medical Center. Primary care visits also usually have lower insurance co-pays.

Think primary care first for the following:

  • Sprains

  • Cold, flu and sore throat

  • Abdominal pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea, vomiting or stomach flu

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Pink eye

More: Vermont has problems finding hospital beds for those in need. What a doctor says causes it

Urgent care

If you have a medical problem that's not an emergency, but can't wait for a scheduled appointment, urgent care is the answer, according to UVM Medical Center. These facilities offer extended hours and same-day appointments. Urgent care is a good option, too, if you don't have a primary care provider.

University of Vermont Medical Center Urgent Care at the Fanny Allen Campus in Colchester.
University of Vermont Medical Center Urgent Care at the Fanny Allen Campus in Colchester.

Head for urgent care if you're suffering with these conditions:

  • Cuts needing stitches

  • Sprains or minor fractures

  • Cold symptoms and minor respiratory issues

  • Rashes and minor allergic reactions

  • Gastrointenstinal issues

  • Pink eye

More: When nursing homes are full, patients find themselves stuck at UVM Medical Center

Emergency Department

If you have a serious or life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention, the Emergency Department at UVM Medical Center is open 24/7. Since patients are taken in based on the severity of their conditions, rather than their arrival times, you could be in for a long wait, especially in the evening.

Dr. Matthew Siket tends to a patient in the Emergency Department at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Dr. Matthew Siket tends to a patient in the Emergency Department at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

You should not hesitate to go to the Emergency Department for the following:

  • Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing

  • Severe abdominal pain, headaches or burns

  • Seizures

  • Neck, head or spinal injuries

  • Compound fractures

  • Sexual assault

Where to go for urgent care in the Burlington area

  • ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, 1200 Williston Road, South Burlington, 802-448-8205.

  • UVM Medical Center Urgent Care, 790 College Parkway, Fanny Allen Campus, Colchester, 802-847-1170.

  • Champlain Medical Urgent Care, 150 Kennedy Drive, South Burlington, 802-448-9370.

  • Cocentra Urgent Care, 57 Fayette Drive, Suite 4, South Burlington, 802-658-5756.

  • ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, 62 Merchants Row, Williston, 802-307-1200.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosi@gannett.com. Follow him on X @DanDambrosioVT.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: UVM Medical Center tells patients of options for primary, urgent care