When a health concern comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a difference in how quickly you’re treated and how much care you need. With Mercy, patients have options, making it easier to get the right care at the right time.
Mercy offers several care settings to meet different medical needs, including primary care, convenient care and the emergency department. The best choice depends on how serious the condition is and how quickly it needs attention.
Primary care is often the first and best option for routine health needs. This includes annual checkups, ongoing management of chronic conditions, preventive care and minor illnesses or injuries. Primary care providers focus on long-term health, building relationships with patients and helping prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
For medical concerns that need prompt attention but are not emergencies, convenient care may be the right choice. These locations can treat issues such as minor infections, flu-like symptoms, small cuts or sprains. Convenient care offers extended hours and walk-in availability, making it a helpful option when primary care offices may be closed.
There are two Mercy Convenient Care locations in Fort Smith, including:
The emergency room is designed for serious or life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, signs of a stroke, major injuries or uncontrolled bleeding should always be treated in an emergency setting, where specialized staff and equipment are available around the clock.
The graphic below outlines examples of medical situations and helps guide patients on which care location is most appropriate. By choosing the right setting, patients can receive timely care while helping keep emergency departments available for those who need them most.
Mercy is committed to helping patients navigate their care options and feel confident about where to turn when health concerns arise.
