Aurora QuickCare for common health concerns… and so much more.

Everyday, seven days a week, patients walk into the Aurora QuickCare in Pewaukee to have their symptoms diagnosed and treated. Tanya Lechmaier, NP, a nurse practitioner at the location, sees all sorts of routine health concerns from colds to the flu, from rashes to pink eye. But there was nothing common about a patient who stopped in on a cold day in January, a few years ago.

“It’s been over three years, but I will always remember Ryan Glynn, a fourteen-year-old, who came in with a cough,” recalls Tanya. “I remember how concerned his mother was. She had just given birth five days earlier. She should have been at home resting, but instead she was in an Aurora QuickCare.”

Ryan had a persistent cough that just wouldn’t go away. Michelle Lee, Ryan’s mom, recalls, “I remember thinking in the weeks before I gave birth that I needed to get Ryan into his pediatrician, but then I went into labor. I had an infant at home and an older son coughing night and day. I called Ryan’s doctor, but he was out of town, so I did the next most convenient thing I could think of, I took Ryan to the Aurora QuickCare.”

That decision ended up being significant. Tanya took a medical history of Ryan and performed a thorough exam, including using a pulse oximeter to measure how much oxygen was in his blood. “Two things struck me as unusual, first how low his oxygen level was and how tired Ryan was,” adds Tanya. “I knew Ryan needed more advanced testing to determine what was going on.”

Aurora QuickCare providers have the opportunity to introduce patients to Aurora’s quality patient care and to the commitment by Aurora providers to going beyond a bandage and prescription. Tanya recommended that Ryan go to an Urgent Care for an X-ray. “When Tanya told me Ryan needed an X-ray, I felt overwhelmed, but Tanya helped me out. She made arrangements for me to go to a local clinic that had the diagnostic equipment to further assess his condition.”

Aurora QuickCare providers can assist with coordinating a patient’s care by calling ahead to an Urgent Care or Emergency Department when referring a patient for more advanced treatment. Direct communication ensures a seamless transition and continuity of care.

Later that day the results were shocking, Ryan had a mass in his chest that was restricting his airways and his lymph nodes were swollen. Further testing in the days ahead determined Ryan had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Many Aurora QuickCare visits, like Ryan’s, initiate further or follow-up medical care. While Ryan had his chemotherapy treatments at Children’s Hospital, Aurora QuickCare providers can be an effective resource for connecting patients with Aurora primary care providers or specialists.

“If Tanya hadn’t been as thorough as she was, we probably would have left with a prescription for an antibiotic,” explains Michelle. “Ryan might not be with me today if it weren’t for her expert medical care, time and attention she gave us. We were told later that within days, his airway could have become completely blocked by the tumor. I tell everyone what great care we received at Aurora QuickCare.”

Today, Ryan is a healthy 17-year-old who runs track and cross country, and is looking forward to his senior year of high school.

With 10 locations from Green Bay to Kenosha, Aurora QuickCare offers extended day, evening and weekend hours for prompt care of many minor health conditions like sore throat, ear infection, ear wax removal, pink eye, seasonal allergies, sinus infections, mononucleosis, minor rashes, female bladder infection, camp and sports physicals, wart removal and more. Tetanus, flu, pneumonia, and meningitis vaccinations, as well as screenings for TB and cholesterol are also available without an appointment. Most visits are covered by insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

To find an Aurora QuickCare near you, visit www.Aurora.org/QuickCare or call 877-QUICK02.

Aurora QuickCare: another door to find a doctor

Diane Raddatz recently returned to Wisconsin after spending six months in Arizona. Although she had a primary care physician in Arizona, she did not currently have one in Wisconsin. When she came down with laryngitis, cough and head congestion, a friend suggested the names of two doctors, but when Diane called to schedule an appointment, neither one of them was accepting new patients. Diane was frustrated because she had a trip to Canada planned for the following week, and she wanted to feel better before traveling. Her friend suggested the Aurora QuickCare clinic, which was very close to Diane's home.

After a complete exam and review of her medical records, which she had brought along, an Aurora caregiver addressed Diane's symptoms, reviewed with her the different medications she was taking and suggested follow up care prior to leaving on her trip. Diane remembers, "Shannon listened to my whole story including all of my concerns and tales of woe." When Diane expressed interest in finding a physician in the area, Shannon called the Aurora Northshore Clinic and, working together with their staff, was able to set up an appointment with internal medicine physician Dr. Rupika Uberoi-Nangia for the following Monday.

With her trip on hold due to her health issues, Diane returned to the Aurora QuickCare location to thank Shannon for her care, her concern and ultimately for connecting her with Dr. Uberoi. "Shannon listened to what I wanted in a doctor and took the time to make sure I would get the care I needed," says Diane. She adds, "Everything worked out very well with Dr. Uberoi. And, by having Shannon's assistance in setting up the appointment, everything was easy and convenient for me."

Aurora QuickCare opens the door for a truly integrated patient experience

Aurora QuickCare clinics offer patients an open door to Aurora's integrated health care system. Through Aurora QuickCare clinics, many patients are connecting with Aurora Health Care and discovering the many skilled and compassionate providers and expert services we offer.

While the majority of Aurora QuickCare patients are diagnosed and treated for minor health concerns like sore throat, insect stings or ear infections, they are all introduced to Aurora's quality, premier patient care and the commitment of the caregivers to go beyond a bandage and prescription.

The providers not only address patients' immediate health, but also, through referrals, they are connecting patients with Aurora's primary care providers or specialists who provide follow up and long-term care. "Even when a patient already has a primary care physician, they are often open to a referral to an Aurora physician that may better meet their individual health care needs," says Shannon Whitaker, who has been a nurse practitioner with Aurora QuickCare for over 5 years.

Beyond the referral, Aurora QuickCare providers work with the patient to contact the appropriate Aurora provider or service, help schedule an appointment and provide information regarding locations and details - including Aurora Pharmacy and Vision Center location guides when appropriate.

To provide patients with coordinated care, Aurora QuickCare providers take the time in necessary situations, to contact the patient's primary care physician to discuss physical exam findings and arrange follow-up care. Many times, Aurora QuickCare providers fax a copy of the patient's visit to the primary care physician or specialist and call ahead to Urgent Care and Emergency Care departments when the patient is referred for treatment.

With 10 locations throughout Eastern Wisconsin,Aurora QuickCare is the fast, convenient and affordable way to get your minor health questions addressed without an appointment. To learn more about the services provided at Aurora QuickCare locations or to find a location near you, please call 1-877-QUICKO2. Sample Aurora QuickCare services with this $10 coupon and share your experience.