How do I know if I should call Emergency-911 or Urgent Care?

Examples of life-threatening emergencies:

Major accident injuries

Severe chest pain

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Unconsciousness

Active labor

Heavy bleeding that can't be stopped

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body


Action to be taken:

Call paramedics (911) or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room

If your insurance coverage is through an HMO, identify as an HMO member to the hospital staff

Contact Riverside Medical Clinic within 48 hours of your hospital visit


Urgent Care

Riverside Medical Clinic's Urgent Care provides quality urgent care services to our patients in a timely, cost-effective and compassionate way. We provide extended hours and on-site laboratory and radiology services, enabling the diagnosis, treatment and management of urgent medical conditions and minor trauma when a patient's primary care physician is unavailable. Urgent Care is designed to provide patients with non-life threatening care on short notice. Our Urgent Care is staffed with specially trained physicians and experienced nurses who take the time to educate our patients about their medical condition, as well as about appropriate access and utilization of the health system and their health insurance coverage.

Urgent Care is not a substitute for the quality, consistent care you receive from your Primary Care Physician (PCP); you should always try to contact your PCP first. But in the event you are unable to see your PCP, and your condition is not life threatening, Riverside Medical Clinic has two conveniently located Urgent Care centers, one at our Main clinic and another at our Canyon Springs clinic.

Riverside Medical Clinic has established an After Hours Pediatric Clinic in our Main Clinic Urgent Care especially for parents who are unable to bring their child to see their own pediatrician during regular business hours. Illnesses after regular business hours that are not life threatening, but require immediate attention, can now be treated by one of our pediatricians.

If your insurance coverage is through an HMO, please do not seek medical care for non-life-threatening emergencies outside of Riverside Medical Clinic without first obtaining prior authorization. Otherwise, you may be financially responsible for the services.

** In case of life-threatening emergency - call 911 **

Most common reasons to use Urgent Care:

Minor Burns Flu
Sprains & Minor Fractures Sore Throat
Infections Ear Aches
Rashes Large open wounds
Bites Other conditions that need same-day attention


Action to be taken:

Contact your physician's office or;
Go to a Riverside Medical Clinic Urgent Care clinic.