|
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: What is CareWorks?
A: CareWorks
Convenient HealthcareSM clinics offer
quick, convenient and affordable treatment for
many minor, common illnesses and routine tests.
The clinics are staffed by Geisinger certified
nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Q: Where are the
clinics?
A: Presently
they are in Weis Markets, Clarks Summit and
Schnecksville; King's Market, Allentown; and Mr. Z's
Markets in Stroudsburg and Tannersville PA.
More clinics will open within
the next year.
Q: Why are they located
in a grocery store?
A: The
location is convenient for busy people with
hectic schedules, who can get medical attention
without an appointment at the same time they are
stopping for groceries.
Q: What do they treat?
A: A:
CareWorks certified nurse practitioners and
physician assistants can treat common medical
problems such as bronchitis, strep throat, ear
infections, pinkeye, allergy, flu symptoms and
more; provide school, camp, sports, driver’s
license and pre-employment physicals; and give
immunizations for tetanus, MMR, flu, meningitis,
Hepatitis A and B and more. CareWorks also draws
blood for all laboratory tests. CareWorks is not
intended to be a substitute for an emergency
room. In a true emergency, dial 911 or go to a
full-service emergency room. CareWorks is also
not designed to treat people for chronic
conditions, for which they should see their
personal physician.
Q: Won’t this draw a
lot of sick people to the store?
A: Many
visitors to CareWorks Convenient HealthcareSM
clinics are not sick. They come for routine
tests, minor injuries, screenings and other well
care services. People who are ill are likely to
go directly to the clinic where they will be
advised to return home immediately after
treatment.
Q: Who can get services
at a CareWorks Convenient HealthcareSM
clinic?
A: Services
are available for adults and children ages one
year and older.
Q: What does it cost?
A: Most of
the services provided at CareWorks are covered
by health insurance and only your office co-pay
will be due at the time of your visit. Please
refer to list of accepted insurances. If we have
not contracted with your insurance, we recommend
calling your insurance provider to ask if you
can submit a receipt and visit summary for
reimbursement. If you do not have health
insurance, CareWorks is a very affordable option
with an average price of only
$49 for a
common illness visit.
Q: Does insurance cover
it?
A: CareWorks
Convenient HealthcareSM services are
covered by many insurance plans. Just check
with the certified nurse practitioner or
physician assistant when you check in.
Q: How do I submit an
insurance claim?
A: Some
insurance companies may agree to accept charges
for treatment. In other cases, you may pay the
cash prices for services upfront at CareWorks,
then receive an itemized statement and submit
that statement to your insurance company for
reimbursement.
Q: I have a
high-deductible health insurance plan. Will this
count against my deductible?
A: In most
cases, yes. You should check your health
benefits to see what’s covered.
Q: I don’t have
insurance. Will this be expensive?
A: CareWorks
is ideal for people who do not have insurance.
All fees are considerably less than a visit to
an urgent care setting or emergency room.
Q: What are the hours
that the CareWorks clinics are open?
A: CareWorks walk-in medical clinics are open
days, evenings and
weekends. Hours are 8 am - 8 pm
Monday through Friday, and
10 am - 4 pm Saturday and Sunday
with lunch hours from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Q: Do I need an
appointment?
A: No
appointment is necessary.
Q: How long will it
take? Will I have to wait?
A: A typical
clinic visit will last 15 minutes or less. If
someone else is being seen in the clinic when
you arrive, you will be given a pager to carry
with you while you shop. You will be notified
when the nurse practitioner is available.
Q: What’s a certified
nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?
A: They are
board-certified, licensed medical professionals
who are able to diagnose and treat many common
illnesses, including writing prescriptions when
clinically appropriate. They are supported by Geisinger’s
nationally known physicians, who provide
supervision and approve medical guidelines for
all treatments.
Q: Will my doctor be
notified that I was treated at CareWorks?
A: It will
be your choice if you would like the CareWorks
provider to contact your family physician to
coordinate any follow up care.
Q: I see my doctor once
a month for a chronic condition. Can I go to a
Care Works clinic instead?
A: CareWorks
is not intended to be a substitute for a
personal physician. You should not come to
CareWorks for treatment of a chronic condition.
If you do, you will be referred back to your
personal physician.
Q: What if the
certified nurse practitioner or physician
assistant thinks I’m really sick?
A: If they
believe a health condition is potentially
serious, they will advise you to seek care from
your personal physician immediately. If you do
not have a personal physician, they can arrange
a referral to one.
Q: Can I go to
CareWorks in an emergency?
A:
CareWorks is not intended to be a substitute for
an emergency room. In a true emergency, call 911
or go to a full-service emergency room. In a
life-threatening situation, call 911. |
|
