Valley-Wide Health Systems has two Convenient Care locations – in Alamosa and in La Junta. These locations are unique among our other clinics – they offer walk-in services, extended hours and are open on weekends and holidays when our other clinics are closed. But, you might wonder, what kind of healthcare needs can you have addressed at a Convenient Care location?
What can I go to Convenient Care for?
- Acute illness
- Bladder infection
- Bug bite or sting
- Colds & coughs
- COVID testing
- Diarrhea
- Ear aches/infections
- Fevers and flu-like symptoms
- Minor injuries like:
- Sprained ankle
- Pulled muscles
- Small cuts/lacerations
- Minor burns
- Minor allergic reactions
- Pink Eye/Eye irritation
- Sinus infections
- Skin rashes/infections
- Sore throats
- Stitch/staple removal
- STI testing
- Vomiting
Sometimes, however, it’s important to skip our Convenient Care and choose to go directly to an Emergency Room, or call 9-1-1. The following list are conditions or incidents you should seek Emergency care for. This list is not exhaustive, and if you are in doubt about the seriousness of your issue, choose the Emergency Room.
What should I seek Emergency care for?
- Animal bites – especially venomous animals like snakes
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe burn
- Broken bones
- Chest pains
- Deep cuts
- Difficulty breathing
- Electrical shocks
- Fainting
- Fever – in infants under 8 weeks old
- Loss of vision
- Head, neck or back injury
- Poisoning
- Possible drug/alcohol overdose
- Seizures
- Sudden numbness in face, arms or legs
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
- Symptoms of a stroke
- Vomiting that won’t stop/vomiting blood
