Remarkable Care. Right Where You Live.
Know Where to Go Before You Need To
When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go can save you time, money, and stress. Riverside Healthcare offers emergency, immediate, and primary care options across our region — each designed for different levels of urgency. Here's how to choose the right one.
Emergency Room
Life-threatening or severe conditions that need immediate treatment. Open 24/7.
Go here for: chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, head trauma, difficulty breathing
Visit Emergency Care
Immediate Care
Non-life-threatening problems that still need prompt attention. No appointment needed.
Go here for: sprains, earaches, minor cuts, cold and flu, UTIs, pink eye
Visit Immediate Care
Primary Care
Your home base for health. Routine visits, preventive care, and long-term condition management.
Go here for: annual checkups, vaccinations, chronic conditions, specialist referrals
Visit Primary Care
Call 911 Immediately
If you or someone near you is experiencing chest pain, sudden confusion, facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Don't wait.
Emergency Care
When Every Second Counts
The emergency room (ER) is part of Riverside Medical Center and is equipped with specialized tools and highly trained providers for the most serious situations. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Head to the ER if you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Signs of a stroke — sudden confusion, facial drooping, or weakness on one side of the body
- Head trauma or loss of consciousness
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Broken bones with visible deformity
- Severe allergic reactions
Riverside Medical Center Emergency Department
350 N. Wall Street, Kankakee, IL 60901
Primary Care
Your Home Base for Health
Primary care is where your health story comes together. Your provider knows your history, manages ongoing conditions, and helps you stay ahead of problems before they start. Think of your primary care provider as the quarterback of your healthcare team.
Visit primary care for:
- Annual wellness checkups
- Vaccinations and health screenings
- Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma
- Specialist referrals and coordinating your care
- Follow-up after a hospital or ER visit
- Preventive care to catch issues early
Having a trusted provider means your care stays connected and consistent — and you always have someone in your corner.
Compare Your Options
Emergency Room vs. Immediate Care vs. Primary Care
Use this guide to help decide where to go. When in doubt, call your primary care provider's office or Riverside's referral line at (855) 404-DOCS (3627) for guidance.
Swipe to compare →
Five Locations Across the Region
Find Immediate Care Near You
Walk in or schedule ahead through myRiverside MyChart. All locations are open 7 days a week. No appointment needed.
Well Within Reach Podcast
Listen: ER vs. Immediate Care vs. Primary Care
Liberty Erfe, DNP, RN, Director of Population Health at Riverside Healthcare, explains how to choose the right care setting — and plays a rapid-fire symptom game to test your knowledge.
Quick Symptom Guide
Not sure where to go? Here are common symptoms and the right care setting for each. Select a symptom to learn more.
Chest Pain That Comes on Suddenly
Emergency Room
Call 911 or get to the emergency room immediately. Sudden chest pain can signal a heart attack.
Sudden Weakness on One Side of the Body
Emergency Room
This is a sign of a stroke. Call 911 immediately. Every minute counts for a better outcome.
Severe Allergic Reaction With Difficulty Breathing
Emergency Room
Difficulty breathing from an allergic reaction is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Deep Cut That Won't Stop Bleeding
Emergency Room
Uncontrolled bleeding requires immediate attention. Apply pressure and head to the emergency room or call 911.
Sprained Ankle With Mild Swelling
Immediate Care
A great fit for immediate care. Walk in for an evaluation and treatment plan.
Earache That Started Overnight
Immediate Care
Ear infections can be diagnosed and treated at immediate care — no appointment needed.
Sore Throat for Three Days
Immediate Care
A persistent sore throat may need a strep test. Visit immediate care to get checked out.
Minor Burn, Pink Eye, or Rash
Immediate Care
Small burns, conjunctivitis, and spreading rashes are treatable at immediate care. If you also have trouble breathing or swelling, go to the ER.
Persistent Cough for Two Weeks
Primary Care
A lingering cough should be evaluated by your primary care provider to rule out underlying conditions.
High Blood Pressure Management
Primary Care
Chronic conditions like high blood pressure are best managed through regular visits with your primary care provider.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're unsure which type of care is right for your situation, we're here to help. Call Riverside's referral line and we'll point you in the right direction.
Important Notice
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
