Levels of care: Spectrum health offers five levels of care, ranging from virtual options to emergency room visits.
Screenshot/Spectrum HealthWEST MICHIGAN — With area hospitals near or at capacity, Spectrum Health is asking the public for help in reducing congestion in its emergency departments.
“Due to the rapid increase of patients with COVID-19 and other serious health conditions across West Michigan, Spectrum Health’s emergency rooms and urgent care centers are experiencing significantly higher volumes,” health officials stated in a news release.
“To help minimize the added strain on these important services and to treat patients faster, Spectrum Health is urging the community to utilize other care options for non-emergency health issues such as cough, sore throat, ear pain and mild fever.”
Alternative options include:
Virtual Urgent Care: In addition to online appointments, Spectrum Health offers on-demand virtual urgent care service 24/7. Health providers “can assist those with flu or cold symptoms in as little as 10 minutes or less in most cases, right from home,” according to the news release.
For more information on all Spectrum’s online services, visit www.spectrumhealth.org/patient-care.
Walk-In Clinics: For those who need or prefer in-person care, Spectrum has walk-in clinics throughout West Michigan. Walk in clinics are not open 24/7.
Here is a list of clinics in or near Osceola and Mecosta counties and their hours of operation:
- Reed City Clinic: 300 North Patterson Road, Reed City, 231-832-7170. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; Closed on Sundays.
- Big Rapids Clinic: 650 Linden St., Suite 1, Big Rapids, 231-796-3200. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; Closed on Sundays.
For more walk-in clinics in West Michigan, visit spectrumhealth.org/walkin.
Primary Care Offices: While not every primary care office is open 24/7, all offer support for questions, concerns and prescription refills. In-person, virtual and e-visits also are available. For those who do not have a primary health provider, visit findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org.
Despite encouraging the use of alternative health services for non-emergency needs, people experiencing life-threatening issues, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain and trauma, should still go to the emergency department or call 911, health officials say.
“During the prior surge, some people waited too long because they did not want to burden the emergency department,” said Jerry Evans, medical director of the Region 6 Healthcare Coalition, which covers the 13 counties in West and Central Michigan. “Unfortunately, some of those people came too late to treat their emergent condition such as stroke, heart attack or diabetic emergency.”
