When injuries happen outside of regular office hours, our Mercy Health orthopedic after-hours clinics are here to provide expert care. These clinics offer a specialized alternative to the emergency room, providing prompt care for non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injuries.
Located at two convenient Cincinnati sites, Fairfield and Anderson, both clinics offer walk-in availability Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Our after-hours clinics are equipped to handle a range of orthopedic conditions, from minor fractures to sports injuries, sprains and overuse injuries,” Michael Chen, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in our Cincinnati market, shares. “Patients can come in and expect to receive the same level of care as they would during regular office hours.”
Why choose our Mercy Health orthopedic after-hours clinics?
Dr. Chen advises that these clinics are ideal for those needing immediate evaluation and care for non-severe injuries as well as sudden issues that occur in the evenings or on weekends.
“Wait times are typically much shorter at these clinics than in the ER and since it’s billed as a specialist office visit, it’s also more affordable,” he explains. “Plus, you’ll be seen by an orthopedic specialist.”
However, certain situations do require emergency care. Dr. Chen notes that severe fractures with bone protrusion, dislocated joints, open wounds, head or spine injuries and serious falls in elderly patients should be treated at the emergency room instead of at our orthopedic after-hours clinics.
What you can expect during your visit
At orthopedic after-hours clinics, patients can expect to be evaluated quickly, typically within 20 to 30 minutes of arrival. These clinics are also staffed by advanced practice clinicians (APCs), including physician assistants and nurse practitioners who specialize in orthopedics.
On-site X-ray equipment allows for immediate imaging, and if further imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, is needed, the clinic staff will order it and work with the insurance company to obtain pre-certification.
“We want to make sure our patients leave with a clear treatment plan and follow-up care,” Dr. Chen adds.
After a visit, patients are scheduled for any necessary follow-up appointments with physicians or surgeons.
The importance of accessible, immediate care
No appointment is necessary to be seen at our Mercy Health orthopedic after-hours clinics – patients simply walk in. Minors must have a legal guardian present. The clinics offer a wide range of non-narcotic medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and muscle relaxers.
Even though our orthopedic surgeons and physicians often provide same-day or next-day office appointments, our after-hours clinics offer flexibility for those who need immediate care or cannot wait for a scheduled visit.
“If you’re trying to get back to a sport, recreational activity, or work sooner, starting the road to recovery earlier can make all the difference,” Dr. Chen emphasizes.
Learn more about the orthopedics and sports medicine services we provide at Mercy Health.
