Bonner General Immediate Care offers new services

When Bonner General's Immediate Care opened its doors in May 2005, the clinic's goal was to provide quality medical care at an affordable price.

A little over a year later, this vision has not only held strong, but expanded through the services offered with new X-ray and laboratory capabilities.

So what kinds of things can Immediate Care treat?

It makes a great alternative to the emergency room for minor emergencies like a cut that might need stitches, or an injured extremity, such as an arm that might have suffered a strain, sprain or even a possible broken bone.

Since the Immediate Care has on-site X-ray machine, there's usually no need to go to the hospital, unless further testing is required.

Cold and flu season will be here before we know it. Immediate Care's on-site laboratory can process a throat culture or other procedure to rule out something more serious — like strep throat.

No appointment is necessary at Immediate Care and there is usually little or no wait. Not to mention they take most insurances as well as Medicaid and Medicare.

With school right around the corner, many athletic teams require children to get a physical before they participate. And everyone knows that physicals aren't just for kids.

The staff at Bonner General's Immediate Care can perform a comprehensive physical for a commercial driver's license, or other work-related requirement. And, we all should have a yearly exam to check up on our general health and catch possible problems before they get serious.

For employers, Immediate Care offers an affordable occupational health program, not to mention drug screening and breath-alcohol testing.

Since the clinic is part of Bonner General Hospital, additional care, if needed, is an easy transition. Further diagnostic testing or lab work can be easily ordered.

Open seven days a week, the clinic is accessible and patient-friendly. After all, it's just as common to get sick on a Saturday or Sunday as any other day of the week.

Located in Ponderay, Immediate Care is close to popular summer activity spots like Schweitzer, the Bonner County Fairgrounds and Lake Pend Oreille.

Bonner General Immediate Care is at 400 Schweitzer Plaza Drive, just east of Highway 95, between the Super 8 Motel and Taylor-Parker Motor Company. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

So where you're out enjoying the summer evening on your mountain bike and take a sudden spill, the staff at Bonner General's Immediate Care will be there to help!