Right Place, Right Care

Hospital emergency departments in Rhode Island are currently very crowded. Children and adults in emergency departments with less serious health issues are experiencing long wait times. If you or your child does not need emergency medical care, please do not go to the emergency department. Long waits in the emergency department are frustrating, and they expose you and your family to new sicknesses.

Many health issues can be treated more quickly and effectively by a primary care provider or in an urgent care facility or health center. These include back pain, sprains, minor cuts, colds, sore throat, low-grade fevers, and most cases of norovirus (also known as the stomach flu).

RIDOH has lists of primary care providers, urgent care facilities, and health centers online.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

If someone could die or be permanently disabled, it is an emergency. Emergency medical attention is needed.

  • Choking
  • Stopped breathing or turning blue
  • Head injury with passing out, throwing up, or not behaving normally
  • Injury to neck or spine
  • Seizure that lasted 3 to 5 minutes
  • Bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • New weakness in an arm, leg, or face
  • New difficulty speaking or confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk, or move
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent chest pain or chest pressure
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Deep wound
  • Serious burn
  • Possible broken bone, loss of movement, primarily if the bone is pushing through the skin
  • In a baby, mouth that is dry, no tears, no wet diapers in 18 hours

If you are not sure if you should go to the emergency department, you should contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care or community health center.

A primary care provider can give you guidance about the next best step, and most offices have a provider on-call after hours.

If you do not have a primary care provider, visit the Urgent Care page.

Non-Emergency Treatment Options

  • Make an appointment or call your primary care doctor’s office for advice on where to seek care.
  • Make an appointment at one of Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers, which provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to established patients.

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  • Visit a Community Health Center Express Clinic. You don't have to be an established patient and all patients are served, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. These include:
    • Blackstone Valley Community Health Center's Express Health Care in Central Falls and Pawtucket;
    • Providence Community Health Center's Express Clinic;
    • Thundermist Health Centers Convenient Care in Wakefield, West Warwick, and Woonsocket;
  • Go to a CVS Minute Clinic;
  • Go to an urgent care center in Rhode Island. It's a good idea to call ahead to verify hours and location.

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Help Prevent Hospitalization

  • Be up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. For most people, that means getting a COVID-19 booster. COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces the chances that you will be hospitalized because of COVID-19.
  • Talk to a healthcare provider about treatment for COVID-19, if you test positive.
  • Get a flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should get a flu shot every year.
  • Stay home if you are sick and keep children home from school if they are sick.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food.
  • After an episode of illness that involves vomiting or diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

Mental Health or Substance Use Crisis

988 Suicide & Crisis LIFELINE

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, or is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call 988.

When you need police, fire, or rescue, or have a medical emergency such as an overdose, call 911.

Resources

Information for Rhode Islanders without Insurance

If you do not qualify for Medicaid or coverage through HealthSource RI, there are several places to go for health care. These places provide care regardless of a person’s immigration status, although they may ask about your status to help determine whether you may be eligible for coverage. Providers must keep this information confidential.

  • Community Health Centers: Call 401-274-1771 (rihca.org) to find a health center near you (for adults and children).
  • Rhode Island Free Clinic: Call for an eligibility appointment: 401-274-6374 (for adults only).
  • Clinica Esperanza-Hope Clinic: Call 401-347-9093 (for adults only).

If you need care at a hospital, ask about the hospital ‘charity care’ program. The hospital may cover all or part of your bill if you are unable to pay. The hospital must post its charity care eligibility rules and how to apply. Ask the business office of the hospital for an application. Charity care is available regardless of immigration status.

If you need to have emergency services at a hospital, and you are not eligible to enroll in Medicaid just because of your immigration status, you may be eligible to have Medicaid pay the hospital bills. The hospital helps you fill out the application.

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