Community Health: A Guide to Valley Health Urgent Care Services

When a sudden illness or injury strikes, knowing where to seek care can make all the difference. In this episode of The Valley Today Community Health series, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Jeffrey Hoefle, board-certified Urgent Care physician and Urgent Care Medical Director at Valley Health, to demystify the options available to patients in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Their conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of urgent care, the role of express clinics, and the critical distinction between urgent care and emergency departments.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: Understanding the Difference

Dr. Hoefle begins by clarifying a common misconception: not all medical issues require a trip to the emergency room. Urgent care centers are designed for health problems that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening—think colds, flu, minor fractures, rashes, and simple cuts. In contrast, the emergency department is reserved for serious, potentially life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, traumatic injuries, or symptoms of a stroke. Dr. Hoefle emphasizes that both settings perform triage to ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care, but choosing the right facility from the start can save time and resources.

The Role of Urgent Care Express Clinics

Transitioning to the topic of urgent care express clinics, Dr. Hoefle explains that these facilities offer a streamlined version of urgent care, handling straightforward cases like colds, simple urinary tract infections, and minor rashes. While express clinics can perform basic tests and treat minor ailments, they do not offer the full range of services found at main urgent care centers, such as X-rays or more comprehensive lab work. Valley Health operates several urgent care and express clinics across Virginia and West Virginia, making it easier for residents to access the right level of care close to home.

Expanding Services: Pediatric and Employer Health

The conversation also highlights the growing scope of urgent care services. Parents, in particular, benefit from after-hours pediatric care when their child’s primary doctor is unavailable. Dr. Hoefle notes that urgent care centers frequently treat children for common illnesses and minor injuries, and thanks to integrated electronic medical records, pediatricians can easily access visit details. Additionally, urgent care clinics provide employer health services, including DOT physicals and sports physicals, further expanding their role in community health.

Virtual Visits: Healthcare from Home

One of the most significant advancements discussed is the rise of virtual urgent care visits, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients can now schedule online appointments for many common ailments, reducing the risk of spreading illness and offering convenience for those unable to travel. Dr. Hoefle explains that while virtual visits are not suitable for emergencies or conditions requiring hands-on evaluation, they are ideal for recurring issues like sinus infections or mild respiratory symptoms. The integration of virtual care with electronic health records ensures continuity and coordination across providers.

Making the Right Call: When to Seek Emergency Care

Throughout the discussion, both Janet and Dr. Hoefle stress the importance of recognizing true emergencies. For symptoms like chest pain or signs of a stroke, patients should always call 911 rather than drive themselves or seek a virtual appointment. Triage systems at both urgent care and emergency departments help direct patients to the appropriate care, but making the right choice from the outset can be lifesaving.

Conclusion: Empowering Patients with Knowledge

As healthcare options continue to expand, understanding the differences between urgent care, express clinics, and emergency departments empowers patients to make informed decisions. With convenient locations, expanded services, and the advent of virtual care, Valley Health’s urgent care network stands ready to meet the diverse needs of the community—ensuring that help is always within reach, whether it’s a minor illness or a major emergency.