The Right Type of Care for Every Situation

At Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), you have several choices to access safe and high quality care.

Primary Care Your primary care provider is your best source for continued, ongoing care. Primary care providers offer diagnosis and treatment of non-emergent conditions, follow-up after specialty care such as surgery, chronic illness management, and behavioral health support. They know your health conditions and health goals, follow your health long-term, and can make personal recommendations to prevent illness and disease. They can also recommend a specialist for care, if you need it.

To find a primary care provider, go to https://svhealthcare.org/physician-directory.

Emergency Care SVMC’s Emergency Department is here when you need it for serious conditions. Chest pain, stroke symptoms, and allergic reactions are some of the many reasons to pursue the emergency department. SVMC’s emergency team is ready when you need it most.

ExpressCare SVMC’s ExpressCare in Bennington is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. No appointment is necessary. ExpressCare is great if you cannot get in to see a primary care provider or you’re from out of town and need medical care that requires an in-person exam. The ExpressCare team can diagnose and treat mild abdominal pain (above the belly button), earaches, headaches, rashes, insect bites and stings, and pain with urination.

The Respiratory Evaluation Center (REC) SVMC’s REC is a special clinic to evaluate respiratory symptoms and determine if you have COVID-19, the flu, or another respiratory condition. If you have a cough, sore throat, fever, or are experiencing difficulty breathing, the team at the REC is ready with protective equipment for you and COVID-19 testing. The REC provides clear direction on how to proceed with COVID and other respiratory care.

Your primary care provider might recommend you seek care at the REC. If you don’t have a primary care provider and have a respiratory condition, you can call the REC at 802-440-4077. Remember, severe shortness of breath should go directly to the Emergency Department.

Virtual Urgent Care The providers at SVMC’s new virtual urgent care, CAREqd, are available around the clock every day. You can video chat with a provider any time from the convenience of your home, at work, or anywhere you have cell phone service or an internet connection. CAREqd providers can diagnose and treat many common conditions: cold symptoms, painful urination, constipation, diarrhea, fever, nausea, rash, sore throats, skin conditions, minor injuries, seasonal allergies, pinkeye, and insect bites. Download the CAREqd app or go to CAREqd.com to access a doctor and get the care you need anytime you need it.

SVMC makes these health resources available to you—your primary care provider, Emergency Department, ExpressCare, the REC, and CAREqd—so you can choose which option best meets your care needs safely and conveniently.

Trey Dobson, MD, is the chief medical officer at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and the medical director of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physicians.