We created ReadyCare to further strengthen our commitment to becoming a health partner for our community.
ReadyCare provides our community with much needed access to same-day, non-emergent, minor care services.
Wait Times May Vary, Please Plan Accordingly!
Our ReadyCare team always strives to deliver outstanding patient care in a timely manner; however, due to the nature of the types of patient concerns we see in ReadyCare, and dependent on patient volume, there may be a longer than normal wait to be seen.
Please be patient with us if you experience a longer wait than expected, and remember that there is an emergency department downstairs if your issue is more emergent.
Please allow enough time to be seen. Coming to the clinic close to closing time may result in our inability to provide same day services to you.
Do I Need ReadyCare?
Wondering If ReadyCare Is Right For You?
ReadyCare is for acute and minor illness and injuries. If you are unsure if ReadyCare would be appropriate for your health concern, one of our clinic staff may be able to assist you! Call the ReadyCare line directly at 509-332-8847.
Please note that we are unable to provide medical advice over the phone. If you are a patient of Palouse Medical, please call the main line at 509-332-2517, and leave a message for your primary care provider.
For any other recommendations, we suggest coming by the office during ReadyCare hours and one of our clinical team members can triage your symptoms.
What Concerns Are Better Treated Elsewhere?
When using ReadyCare, please be aware that we may need to triage your health concern to determine if our minor care clinic is the best place for you to receive the care that you require. There are many variables that contribute to whether or not a minor care clinic is the most appropriate place to be treated for a medical concern.
It is important to remember that some health concerns cannot be properly addressed or treated in this setting and sometimes your care may require or be better suited for:
- An appointment with your primary care provider
Some health concerns need to be addressed with a primary care provider who will be able to provide you with the follow up care that you require. Good examples of these types of concerns are chronic health conditions or if you are in need of medication refills. - The Emergency Department
Emergency rooms have immediate access to diagnostic equipment and technologies that our minor care clinic doesn’t have available. Other medical issues are beyond the scope of minor care. We want you to get the care you need.
Who Can Use ReadyCare?
Everyone!
You don’t have to be a current Palouse Medical patient to use ReadyCare. It is open to patients of all ages, whether you are a resident or visitor.
Do I Need An Appointment?
Do I Need an Appointment? Can I Call Ahead and Reserve My Spot?
ReadyCare is walk-in only. We assist patients based on a “first come, first served” waiting queue model. You must be present in the clinic in order to add yourself on the list.
- It is always our goal to deliver the highest quality of professional health care within a timely fashion to our patients. Please be aware that dependent on patient volume or the nature of the visits ahead of you, varying waiting periods can be anticipated.
- If wait times are unexpectedly long and you need to leave the clinic briefly, please let the front desk know. We may be able to reserve your place in line for a short period of time. If you leave without letting us know, we may have to remove you from the queue so that we may move on to assist the patients who are currently in the office waiting.
What Time Should I Come In?
During the school year (and flu-season in particular), patient volume can greatly increase. ReadyCare may reach capacity and therefor have to close the line for patients for the rest of the day.
This means coming in later in the afternoon can be risky!
- We understand that people’s schedules can vary, however at this time we often only have one physician working ReadyCare. There are only so many patients that they are able to see in a day while still being able to maintain efficient walk-in healthcare for our community.
- ReadyCare will continue taking patients into the later afternoon at the provider’s discretion.
ReadyCare closes on weekdays from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
- The provider will not see any patients during this time but you are still welcome to get in line and guarantee yourself a spot for the afternoon.
How Do I Know if ReadyCare Is Still Accepting Patients?
If you plan to come in the afternoon, it is recommend to give us a call before heading in to ensure we are still able to accept patients.
- We update Google with any foreseeable closures and as best as we can when reaching capacity on weekdays, however calling is the most reliable way to find out if the line is still open.
- While wait times can vary and change rapidly, we can generally provide you with a rough estimate of the current wait time if you give our clinic a call.
- Depending on the time of day, we cannot make any guarantee that we will still be accepting patients when you arrive. Closures are at the provider’s discretion and patient volume can sometimes be unpredictable. If you are traveling from out of town, it is recommend you come in the morning if you would like to ensure a spot in line.
- Signs are posted on the doors when the line is closed for the day.
What Should I Expect At My Visit?
Check-in at the front desk
- You will need a photo ID and a copy of your health insurance card. Patients under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian present with this information.
- If you do not have your health insurance card, you will need to provide another form of proof of insurance. We likely will need your insurance ID number and the billing address for medical claims. Some plans we may be able to look up online, please call ahead of coming in to make sure you have all the necessary information.
- A photo ID is required to be seen. We accept a state ID or drivers license, a passport, or any other form of ID that has your name and photograph on it (such as a Cougar Card).
Identify your chief complaint/main health concern or issue
Please notify us immediately if you believe you are experiencing an emergency and we will have one of our clinic team members come out to assist you.
Complete brief paperwork for billing and registration purposes and collect copay
- Registration paperwork is required for all new patients. We also require it be completed once a year for billing purpose, and in the case of a name or address change.
- Please make sure children or those who otherwise need assistance filling out paperwork have someone with them to do so.
- If you are unable to write for any reason, please let our front desk know and we will do our best to assist you.
- It is also at this time that we will collect any co-payment set by your insurance, if you are paying out-of-pocket for the visit we will collect that at the end of your appointment.
You are then placed in a waiting queue to be seen by the provider
Remember, ReadyCare is based on order of arrival and waiting times may vary. If you are concerned your issue is more urgent and/or unsure if ReadyCare is the right place for your issue, please let our staff know and we will have a clinical team member triage your symptoms to ensure that they are not better suited for another location.
Don’t forget to check-out
After your visit, stop at the check-out desk. If it is on the weekend, please stop back by the front desk.
- It is at this time where will we assist you with any referrals or orders that were placed by the physician as well as take any payment from those who are paying for their visit fully out-of-pocket.
About Billing & Insurance
Please note that ReadyCare is a minor care clinic, and is not an urgent care facility. The billing and services provided by these two types of facilities are different.
As of October 12th, all billing is now through Pullman Regional Hospital.
For billing inquiries you may contact their financial services department at 509-332-1163 or visit the resources below.