Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Nurse Helpline?

  The Nurse Helpline is a quick, convenient way for you to get medical advice when you aren’t feeling your best. You will speak with a Registered Nurse who has access to your medical history and can help you make the best decision for your care. Just Call us at: 844-TVH-WELL

  Depending on your situation and symptoms, the nurse may guide you to an over-the-counter solution or remedy, or call in a refill for an existing medication. They could determine you need to be seen right away in a same day appointment or at the Saturday & Sunday EZ-Care Clinic. They may also recommend that you call an ambulance or go to an emergency room or hospital.

  All you have to do is call your care center during business hours to speak with one of our Registered Nurses.

• What is an after hours on-call provider?

  When the care center closes, there are always multiple providers who are on duty to take calls in case you have an urgent need. This includes our medical doctors, nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants.

  Depending on your situation and symptoms, the on-call provider you speak with might guide you to an over-the-counter solution or remedy, call in a refill for a medication or prescribe a new medication. They could determine you need to be seen right away in a same day appointment or at the Saturday & Sunday EZ-Care Clinic. They may also recommend that you call an ambulance or go to an emergency room or hospital.

  All you have to do is call 844-TVH WELL after business hours and you will be directed.

• What is an EZ-Care Clinic appointment?

  EZ-Care Clinic appointments are convenient appointments for urgent needs during the weekend. They take place at the Creekside Care Center on Saturday 9am – 5pm & Sunday 9am – 1pm. These appointments are scheduled with the provider on duty.

  All you have to do is call 844-TVH WELL when you have a sudden need, and we can determine if you require a Saturday or Sunday EZ-Care Clinic appointment.

  Creekside Care Center:
  1050 Old Camp Rd., Bldg. 100
  The Villages, FL 32162

• When should I call The Villages Health?

  Any time you are sick, in pain, or concerned about your well-being, one of our providers will be available to see you and treat your medical condition, such as these urgent medical concerns:

  • Headaches/migraines
  • Sinus issues, ear infections, cough, sore throat
  • Digestive discomfort and minor gastrointestinal problems, including gas pain
  • Sprain, strains, and sports injuries
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Cuts, burns, contusions, other non-life-threatening injuries
  • Concerns and flare-ups with pre-existing conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and more)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Back pain
  • Dizziness or vertigo

  If you experience a serious medical condition, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention.

  If you’re not sure where to go, you can call your care center first and we will help you get the advice and care you need.

• What types of services can I receive during a same day or EZ-Care Clinic appointment?

  Here are some examples of services that we routinely provide when there is a sudden illness or injury:

  • We can take an x-ray if you experience an injury.
  • We can stitch you up if you get cut.
  • We can give you IV fluids if you are dehydrated.
  • We can check your blood pressure and provide medication if it is significantly elevated.
  • We can take your blood and perform same day testing to determine if you have an infection.
  • We can provide nebulized breathing treatments if you have asthma or emphysema.
  • We can give you a steroid shot if you are in severe pain, or have an allergic reaction.
  • We can give you anti-nausea medication if you have tummy aches.
  • We can prescribe antibiotics and other medications when needed.
• What are the qualifications of a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner?

  Both Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners have advanced degrees and are qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases, as well as prescribe medications. They work closely with your physician at The Villages Health to provide quick access to care so you can get a same day or immediate next day appointment, like the one you might need when you have a sudden illness or injury.

  • Nurse Practitioners
    Nurse Practitioners are able to evaluate patients, diagnose illness and prescribe medications. They perform the same functions as a physician. Nurse practitioners complete graduate courses and spend hours completing supervised clinical work. While they typically do not specialize in one area, they have a comprehensive understanding of wellness, preventative care and disease management.
  • Physician Assistants
    Physician assistants are licensed to diagnose illnesses and diseases. They also are able to treat these conditions and prescribe medication. Physician Assistants complete 4 years of undergraduate school and then have to enroll in a Physician Assistance program, which is about 2 years of additional schooling.

  Whoever you see during any visit at The Villages Health has full access to your medical records and is able to speak directly with your doctor and care team. After any visit, the provider you see will share all of the details of your visit with your doctor and care team.

• What is the cost when I call The Villages Health for an urgent need?

  There is no charge to call your care center to speak with the on-call provider or a Registered Nurse, regardless of your insurance plan.

• What is the cost for an office visit with The Villages Health for an urgent need?

  If you require an office visit, the co-pay for Medicare Advantage patients using The Villages Health EZ-Care Services is $0-10.

  If you have a commercial insurance plan, your co-pay will vary depending on your insurance, typically in the range of $5-$40

  It is safe to say, however, that a visit to The Villages Health for an urgent office visit will always cost less than an urgent care, free standing emergency department or hospital visit.

• Are there any other costs associated with my visit?

  If you need ancillary services during your visit, such as an x-ray or lab work, there may be an additional co-pay or fee. You may also need a medication, which may have a co-pay or fee. Please check with your insurance company for more details.

  It is safe to say, however, that a visit to The Villages Health for an urgent office visit will always cost less than an urgent care, free standing emergency department or hospital visit.

• What is a Free Standing Emergency Department?

  A free standing emergency department is a facility that is licensed by the state to provide 24-hour emergency services to patients at the same level as a hospital-based emergency room. They are great when you are experiencing a true emergency and need immediate help, but they are very expensive for urgent care services. Although from the outside they might look like an urgent care facility, they are an emergency room – and you will be charged for an emergency visit co-pay.

  When in doubt, you can call your care center first and we can help you determine if you need to go to the emergency room or not.