Often, the emergency room really isn’t the best place to head for care. Get to know these same-day convenient care options.
EXPRESS CARE: For common conditions—sore throat, sprain, stomachache. There are 17 Providence Express Care clinics in Southern California with extended hours. Book online at providence.org/expresscareca.
EXPRESS CARE VIRTUAL: See aboard-certified nurse practitioner or physician assistant via secure video chat on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Go to virtual.providence.org or download the app (iOS or Android).
EXER MORE THAN URGENT CARE: Staffed by ER doctors, these no-appointment-needed urgent care clinics are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with three South Bay locations: Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. For more information and locations, visit exerurgentcare.com.
URGENT CARE: This option is ideal for conditions that require prompt medical attention and are more serious than what you’d see your primary care physician for, like burns, minor lacerations and worsening asthma.
EMERGENCY ROOM: Go to the ER immediately (or call 911) if (1) you’re experiencing severe chest pain or think you’re having a heart attack, (2) your speech is slurred, any part of your body is suddenly paralyzed or you think you’re having a stroke, (3) you’ve lost consciousness, (4) you’re bleeding and it won’t stop or (5) you’re having severe abdominal pain.