Acute Care Center
The Acute Care Center at the UI Health is an alternative to the typical Emergency Room experience. Our mission is to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for hospitalizations due to unrelieved pain by providing immediate and aggressive treatment in a caring, supportive environment. The Acute Care Center is in the Concierge (basement) of the UI Hospital. While walk-ins are welcome, it is highly recommended to call 312.413.8666 and reserve one of the treatment chairs prior to arriving to ensure you receive prompt treatment.
Background
A "pain crisis" is the most common symptom of sickle cell disease and is often poorly managed. Delayed treatment in Emergency Departments, unrelieved pain, frequent admissions, and prolonged hospitalizations are common.
Studies have shown that with immediate and aggressive intervention, a pain crisis can be controlled so that patients often can return home rather than be admitted as an inpatient.
Led by our highly skilled staff, we offer state-of-the-art patient and family services with an emphasis on improving quality of life and patient satisfaction.
The Acute Care Center Provides
- Rapid and effective management of uncomplicated pain crises
- Immediate and aggressive pain treatment improves relief and reduces time in the hospital due to pain.
- Healthcare providers with expertise in the management of sickle cell disease and a long-term commitment to our patients
Admitting Criteria
If you are experiencing an UNCOMPLICATED pain crisis, unable to manage your pain at home, and are 16 years of age or older, the Acute Care Center may be the right choice for you.
Signs of a COMPLICATED pain crisis include:
- Unusually severe chest pain or headache
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Fever/chills/rigors (shakes)
- Vision changes
- Swelling and redness to arms and legs
- Pain that is different from your typical sickle cell pain crisis
- Numbness or weakness
- Pain crisis associated with pregnancy
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms in addition to your pain crisis, please go to the UI Health emergency room or your nearest emergency department.
Accessing the Acute Care Center
Acute Care Center Hours
Monday - Friday
8 AM to 11 PM
CLOSED
Saturdays and Sundays
Closed in observance of holidays
- The Acute Care Center can accept patients Monday through Friday between 8 am and 7 pm. Please call 312.413.866 first, as we have limited availability.
- If your pain crisis occurs during the night and you plan to come in during our operating hours, please leave a message and phone number, and the clinic will call you back during operating hours.
- Once you arrive at our Acute Care Center, you will be checked in and treated if you do not have a complicated crisis.
- If the severity of your illness meets the criteria for a complicated pain crisis, a nurse will take you to the UI Health emergency room.
- Treatment typically takes about 4 hours. Once pain is adequately controlled, you will be released home where you will be able to continue to manage your pain as usual with your previously prescribed oral pain medications.
