Urgent Visits Frequently Asked Questions

You NO LONGER need to call before an urgent visit

If you need guidance on where to be seen for your symptoms, call your primary care team at 603-354-6760

Do I have to visit the main registration for any reason?

No, you can proceed directly up to floor 1A of the north building at Cheshire Medical Center. Payment and other details pertaining to your visit are handled by the urgent visits team.

Will you see me if I have a cough, cold, or symptoms that could be COVID-19?

Yes, but if you've experienced a cough or a runny nose for fewer than 6 days, we request 2 negative home COVID tests 24 hours apart to be seen at Urgent Visits. If you are not sure or test positive for COVID-19, call your primary care team at 603-354-6760.

What should I do if I may have COVID-19 symptoms?

  • Call your primary care team at 603-354-6760 for a phone screening and recommendations. 
  • If you have experienced a cough or runny nose for 5 days or less, we request 2 negative home COVID tests 24 hours apart to be seen at Urgent Visits. If you do not meet these criteria, please call your primary care team to discuss your symptoms.

Will you refill my existing medications?

Not typically unless it is related to the health problem you are visiting us to treat. We can help connect you with your primary care provider's office to address refill needs.

How long is the wait for an urgent visit?

  • Wait times vary depending on how many patients have arrived ahead of you.
  • We see patients on a first-come, first-served basis, unlike the Emergency Department, which prioritizes the most seriously ill patients.

How long will a visit take?

  • Visit length will vary depending on
    • The complexity of your condition and treatment
    • If we need tests done during your visit so we can treat you
    • The number of patients our team is seeing while you are here
  • Some tests and treatments may extend your visit beyond a few hours.

What insurance plans do you accept?

Most insurances are accepted. Our acceptance of your insurance does not guarantee payment by your insurer. If you have questions regarding your coverage we recommend contacting your healthcare insurance provider directly.

See Cheshire Medical Center’s Billing and Charges page for more information.

Why should I see the Urgent Visits team instead of the Emergency Department?

Urgent Visit wait times are shorter and function more like your regular office visit. Patients seeking urgent visits are typically suffering from less serious health problems than those treated first in our Emergency Department, which is appropriate for life-threatening conditions.

Can I have an Urgent Visit even if my primary care provider (PCP) is not from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics?

  • No, but if you would like a primary care provider at Cheshire Medical Center, Walpole, or Winchester, we can help you get the paperwork started during your Urgent Visit.

Can I schedule routine immunizations with the Urgent Visit team?

No. Please contact your primary care provider

However, we do have flu shots during the season for patients who are seen here for other reasons and provide tetanus booster if appropriate for injury assessed.

Can I have an Urgent Visit if I am from outside of the area?

Only if you are a patient of Cheshire Medical Center, our satellite locations in Walpole and Winchester, or wish to establish a primary care provider with us. 

Will I see a doctor?

Our Urgent Visits medical staff are Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics providers: MDs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. You will be seen by a skilled provider who is well-equipped to address your medical problems.

What if I need follow-up care?

This will be arranged or reviewed with you as appropriate during and/or after your visit.

Can I use the Urgent Visits team as my primary doctor if I don't have one?

Ongoing or chronic medical problems and general preventive health care are best addressed by a primary care provider. If you do not currently have one locally, we can help you establish one at our Medical Center or satellite locations in Walpole and Winchester.

Will my primary care provider or team be aware of my visit?

All patients who have primary care providers who are part of Cheshire Medical Center or the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics, have shared electronic health records (EHRs). Your PCP will not be notified of your visit, but they will be able to read the visit notes, test results and anything else that results from your Urgent Visit. 

You can contact your provider, make appointments and view your health records on our myD-H patient portal.

What if I don’t have insurance?

Services may be paid out-of-pocket or via credit card once services have been billed. See Cheshire Medical Center’s Billing and Charges page for more information.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, VISA, and Mastercard. See Cheshire Medical Center’s Billing and Charges page for more information.