Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

2
Guiding Star Point Two: Learn System Basics
Where to Get Medical Care:
Consider Your Choices
Where you go for medical help often depends on where you are, the time of day, and
what you need. This is an important decision for many young adults as they switch
from pediatric (children’s) services to adult services or start to pay for their own
insurance and medical care. For example, if your job or sports team requires a
physical (an examination of your general health) or a drug screening examination
(a test to see if you have illegal substances in your body), you may not need to go to a
regular physician’s office. If you get sick during the weekend when that office is closed,
there are other options besides a hospital emergency room. If you need a flu shot,
the doctor’s office may not be your least expensive choice. Here are some of the main
choices and considerations for each choice:
Looks like they’re
super busy...good
thing I booked
online.
Medical Care Choice
“Convenient care” clinics in
pharmacies
l See “Get to Know Your
Pharmacist” in Guiding
Star Point Four: Manage
Information, page 49, for
more tips on how pharmacies
can help you keep track of
medications.
What this choice offers
These services can be used on a “walk-in”
basis or (in many cases) by appointment. They
can be used for drug testing, flu shots, and
physicals for work or other activities. Most are
open on nights and weekends (but be sure to
call or check the store’s website). Some clinics
allow you to book appointments online. Some
systems will automatically text you when you are
getting close to the front of the “line” for your
appointment, so you won’t need to hang around
the building. Most convenient care clinics
take all major insurance plans, though you may
have a co-pay.
What to consider
The staff may not have access to your records.
You may have to fill in a lot of blanks for the
staff. Be sure to take your records. If you use
these services more than once, try to use
the same pharmacy clinic so they keep your
records in their system. Even so, you will need
to bring your insurance card and ID every time.
NOTE: The walk-in clinic will not have your
medication records, even if you use that
pharmacy to fill your prescriptions. It is a
different system. TAKE YOUR RECORDS.
Health clinic/Health center/
Wellness center at a college or
university you attend
Services usually cost no additional fees (outside
of your student fees) or are low-cost. This could
be a good option for getting an annual flu shot.
If you live on campus, this may be the most
convenient option if you suddenly feel sick.
Campus clinics may also refer you to other
services, such as mental health counseling (if
these are not provided on campus).
Services may be limited. You may have no
choice about which providers you can use.
Hours may be limited, especially on smaller
campuses. You may have long waiting times
for some services during busy times of the
year. Check your campus website to see if it’s
possible to make an appointment online.
26