What Makes a Teaching Health Clinic Unique?
The Foundation of a Teaching Clinic
The Spokane Teaching Health Clinic is more than just a place to receive medical care; it’s a training ground for future healthcare professionals. These clinics play a pivotal role in the medical community, fostering the next generation of doctors, nurses, and other specialists. They offer a unique blend of patient care and educational experiences. Think of them as a bridge between academic medicine and real-world clinical practice.
The foundation of these clinics rests on the preceptorship model, where experienced physicians and healthcare providers mentor medical students and residents. This provides a valuable learning environment where trainees gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This model benefits patients as well, as it often promotes a culture of meticulous attention and comprehensive care. You’ll likely find that the doctors and nurses are invested in your overall well-being, taking extra time to explain procedures and answer questions.
Furthermore, teaching health clinics often contribute to cutting-edge research, pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and contributing to innovative treatments. This continuous evolution means that the STHC can potentially offer patients access to the latest advances in medical care. This focus on learning and innovation often leads to a dynamic environment where care delivery is constantly improving. These clinics are deeply committed to community health and often serve underserved populations.
Services Designed for Your Well-being
The Spokane Teaching Health Clinic generally offers a wide range of services designed to address your diverse healthcare needs. These clinics strive to be a one-stop shop for primary care, but the specifics depend on location and resources available. The most common services include:
Primary Care
This forms the core of the services offered. These are regular check-ups, preventative care, management of chronic conditions, and treatment of common illnesses. The primary care teams, consisting of doctors, nurses, and sometimes physician assistants and nurse practitioners, are typically the point of first contact for all medical needs.
Mental Health Services
Recognizing the importance of both physical and mental health, many STHCs offer mental health services. This can encompass counseling, therapy, and psychiatric evaluations and treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Dental Care
In some instances, dental services are included at the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic. This is crucial for maintaining overall health, as dental health is intricately linked to systemic well-being. They can provide general dental care such as cleaning, fillings, and oral health education.
Pharmacy Services
Having an on-site pharmacy can significantly improve convenience. You can have your prescriptions filled directly after your appointment. This eliminates the need for additional trips and streamlines the process of obtaining medication.
Laboratory Services
Many clinics have laboratories on-site for conducting blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostic procedures. This eliminates the need to go to a separate lab, making it easier and faster to get results.
The specific services offered by the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic can differ slightly from location to location. Always contact the specific location to ascertain a detailed list of services available.
Key Information: General Access and Understanding
Before diving into specific location details, it’s helpful to grasp the overall operational framework of the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic. The clinics generally aim to provide accessible care within convenient hours, but it’s important to note that these schedules may change.
Most clinics aim to be available during standard weekday hours, typically Monday through Friday. This is when the majority of appointments are scheduled, and the full range of services is available. Some locations extend their hours to include Saturdays. Checking the most updated information is vital.
In most cases, medical care provided at the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic is by appointment, which allows the clinic to manage patient flow efficiently. This ensures providers have ample time to focus on individual needs. Though most services are by appointment, some may have walk-in availability for certain urgent or acute needs. Confirming the walk-in availability with the specific clinic beforehand is highly recommended.
Understanding these general operational principles provides a framework for using these healthcare resources effectively.
Finding the Right Clinic: Hours and Details
The Spokane Teaching Health Clinic has multiple locations; therefore, availability and operational hours can differ. The most reliable source for specific information is the clinic website and direct contact. This section will provide general information.
It’s imperative to remember that these details are subject to change and must be verified directly with the clinic.
Spokane Teaching Health Clinic – Downtown Location
Address: [Hypothetical Address in Downtown Spokane]
Phone Number: [Hypothetical Phone Number]
Regular Hours: Monday to Friday, [Specific Hours, e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM]. Saturday [Hypothetical Hours if applicable].
Pharmacy Hours: Monday to Friday, [Specific Hours].
Mental Health Services: Available Monday to Friday, with appointments scheduled throughout the day.
Notes: Closed on major holidays. Limited walk-in appointments available for established patients. Lunch break for staff between [hours].
Spokane Teaching Health Clinic – North Spokane Location
Address: [Hypothetical Address in North Spokane]
Phone Number: [Hypothetical Phone Number]
Regular Hours: Monday to Friday, [Specific Hours, e.g., 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM]. Closed on weekends.
Dental Services: Limited dental services are available.
Notes: Offers extended hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Spokane Teaching Health Clinic – South Hill Location
Address: [Hypothetical Address in South Hill]
Phone Number: [Hypothetical Phone Number]
Regular Hours: Monday to Friday, [Specific Hours, e.g., 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM]. Closed on weekends.
Laboratory Services: On-site lab available for routine testing.
Notes: Offers pediatric and adult care. Accepts most insurance plans.
To make the most of your visit, ensure that you are aware of any limitations. For instance, some services, like specialized dental procedures or certain mental health services, may require referral from a primary care provider.
After-Hours and Emergency Care: Your Options When the Clinic is Closed
Healthcare needs don’t always arise during regular business hours. Here are some options for accessing care when the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic is closed:
Urgent Care Facilities
Several urgent care clinics throughout Spokane offer convenient, immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions. These facilities often have extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Research locations and hours beforehand, as these can vary. These are great choices for illnesses, minor injuries, and other urgent medical problems that do not require a full emergency room visit.
Emergency Room
For life-threatening situations, always go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle serious illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention. Know the location of the nearest emergency room to your home, work, or where you are travelling to.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth services offer remote access to medical professionals. Consultations can occur over the phone or video calls. These services are perfect for non-urgent conditions and follow-up care. They provide a convenient way to consult with a healthcare provider from your home.
On-Call Providers
Some Spokane Teaching Health Clinic locations have a doctor or nurse on call for after-hours phone consultations. Check with your clinic to see if this service is available.
Knowing your options and having a plan in place ensures that you can access the medical care you need, no matter the time of day.
How to Stay Informed: Finding the Most Up-to-Date Information
The most reliable resources for accurate information regarding the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic are:
Official Website
The official website of the STHC will be the central hub for all essential information. This site will generally provide a list of services, location details, staff information, appointment procedures, and the latest updates on hours. Search for the STHC’s official website to find reliable data.
Phone Number
Calling the clinic directly allows you to get immediate answers to your questions and confirm the current hours. It’s the best way to check about any unexpected closures or changes. The phone number can generally be found on their website.
Patient Portal (if available)
Some STHC locations have patient portals, which allow you to manage appointments, view lab results, and communicate with your healthcare providers. This can be convenient and provide immediate access to key data.
Social Media (if applicable)
Some clinics use social media to provide regular updates and communicate important information with their patients and community. Although social media provides valuable information, always cross-reference data from other sources before scheduling your appointment.
Always make sure to check the clinic’s website or phone to confirm hours, and the services offered.
Contact and Appointment Information: Streamlining Your Healthcare Experience
Making an appointment with the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic is generally a straightforward process, designed to be as user-friendly as possible.
How to Schedule an Appointment
The primary method is by calling the clinic directly using the listed phone number. You can also schedule appointments online via a patient portal, if available. Some clinics also offer request options for appointments through their website.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Be ready with your insurance card, photo ID, and any medications you’re currently taking. Additionally, you may want to bring a list of your current medical conditions and any questions you want to ask your doctor.
Patient Portal
If your chosen STHC has a patient portal, it’s a great tool for managing your healthcare online. With the portal, you will be able to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and safely communicate with your provider’s office.
Other Details to Consider: Insurance, Accessibility, and Support
Several aspects can improve your STHC experience:
Insurance Coverage
The Spokane Teaching Health Clinic typically accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. Always check with the clinic to confirm whether they accept your specific insurance coverage.
Accessibility
Check for ADA compliance. Many clinics have made accessibility a priority. The STHC will likely have wheelchair accessibility and other tools to help patients. If you have any specific needs, contact the clinic beforehand.
Language Support
Many healthcare providers are committed to providing services to all patients. If you need services in a language other than English, verify whether the STHC has translation services available.
Prioritizing Your Health: A Summary of Essential Information
The Spokane Teaching Health Clinic plays a crucial role in providing access to healthcare services in Spokane, particularly through its commitment to training future medical professionals. Understanding the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic hours and services is crucial for accessing the care you need. By having the proper information on hand, patients can efficiently and confidently make appointments, manage their medical needs, and benefit from the comprehensive care these clinics provide. Be sure to check the most up-to-date information online to ensure you are receiving care efficiently.
When planning your medical needs, checking the STHC’s official website and contacting the clinic directly remain the most important ways to access accurate information. This simple step allows you to plan your visit seamlessly. By being proactive and informed, you can take control of your health and connect with the care you deserve.
