Brookline's Partners Urgent Care Treats Wide Range of Illnesses, Injuries

Partners Urgent Care of Brookline, a joint venture organization owned and operated by Partners HealthCare and MedSpring Urgent Care, is an affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the founding members of Partners HealthCare.

Patch: How does Partners Urgent Care determine success?

Partners Urgent Care: Our goal is to provide a convenient and affordable medical care option in the communities we serve. Patient satisfaction is an important measure of our success, and we ask every patient for their feedback at the end of their visit. Our attentive and friendly associates strive to make each visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible for our patients and guests.

Patch: What resources does Partners Urgent Care provide for its patients outside of medical treatment?

Partners Urgent Care: In addition to treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries, like broken bones, coughs and colds, Partners Urgent Care also provides services such as digital x-ray and in-house lab testing as well as preventative care and some vaccines, including tetanus, Hepatitis B and flu.

Patch: How is Partners Urgent Care involved in the community?

Partners Urgent Care: All of our associates live and work in the communities we service. We also offer community outreach opportunities throughout the year, such as collaborating with nearby public schools or by offering free flu vaccine and health screenings in our clinics.

Patch: What distinguishes Partners Urgent Care from emergency room services?

Partners Urgent Care: While the emergency room is the appropriate destination for patients experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, urgent care is a more convenient and cost-effective option when someone needs care, but can’t get in to see their primary care physician. We’re open every day until 9 p.m., including evenings, weekends and most holidays. Additionally, most standard visits typically last less than an hour as compared to the average wait time in the ER.

Patch: How do urgent care centers benefit patients without health insurance?

Partners Urgent Care: We offer reasonable prompt-pay rates for those without insurance. We believe in transparency and provide prompt-pay patients with a price estimate in advance of their visit so that there are no surprises. It’s also helpful to note that, while Partners Urgent Care is affiliated with the Partners HealthCare system, patients do not have to be a Partners member in order to visit. For those that do have coverage, we accept most major insurance plans, including MassHealth and traditional Medicare.

Patch: How does Partners Urgent Care stand out from other urgent care centers?

Partners Urgent Care: Our affiliation with Partners HealthCare allows us to facilitate in the coordination of care for existing patients of the Partners HealthCare system. Our centers also provide comfortable amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks and children’s activities. Additionally, our private patient suites include comfortable sofas and cable TV to ease the stress associated with visiting the doctor’s office.

Patch: What, in your opinion, is the future of urgent care centers?

Partners Urgent Care: Patients increasingly expect more access and convenience when seeking medical care. A more retail-driven healthcare model allows consumers to seek fast, high-quality care on their schedule even if that’s in the evening or on the weekend. The ability to seek care that is close to home, work or errands allows busy consumers to get back to what really matters.

Patch: What is the significance of a hospital-affiliated urgent care center versus an independent center?

Partners Urgent Care: Our collaboration with Partners HealthCare, including physicians from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, helps ensure we offer high quality of care while also providing access to the Partners HealthCare system for those who might need it.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about Partners Urgent Care?

Partners Urgent Care: Visit our website at www.partnersurgentcare.org to learn more about Partners Urgent Care, including our locations, insurance we accept or to schedule an online appointment.

Photo courtesy of Partners Urgent Care