LincolnHealth’s Emergency Department is experiencing a significant increase in volume, like most hospitals in Maine. As a result, extremely long wait times can be expected, especially for those who arrive with non-life threatening concerns.

The Urgent Care Center in Boothbay Harbor offers a better option for those with non-life threatening illnesses or injuries who cannot access their primary care provider.

“You can expect to be treated quicker, at lower cost than a typical Emergency Department visit,” said LincolnHealth Chief Medical Officer Timothy Fox, MD, “Having people in the Emergency Room with non-critical needs really backs up the patient flow, as we have to care for the critically ill. With the current volume, even if you are living 30 minutes or more away from the Urgent Care Center, you will likely get home quicker and receive quality care from the team at the Center.”

Patients who go to the Urgent Care Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injury or illness will be met by a greeter and asked several screening questions before entering. All patients and team members will be required to wear a surgical/procedural mask, which will be provided if needed.

The Urgent Care Center care team is composed of experienced emergency medicine providers, nurses and support team members who are dedicated to providing high-quality, efficient care.

Common conditions managed at the Urgent Care Center include:

• Ear infections
• Sore throat without difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Bloody noses
• Eye infections, irritation or minor trauma
• Dental pain
• Congestion, sinus pressure, cough
• Headaches (recurrent or mild)
• Minor head injury without loss of consciousness
• Mild asthma
• Mild abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Urinary symptoms
• Symptoms of sexual transmitted disease
• Mild back pain (able to walk)
• Animal bites, puncture wounds, lacerations, skin infections
• Wound checks (stitch removal, dressing change, evaluate for infection)
• Tick bites, insect bites, stings
• Mild allergic reactions without difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Minor burns
• Skin rashes
• Blisters, ingrown toe nails
• Bone injuries without exposed bone or severe deformity
• Sport injuries
• Falls with minor injuries
• Joint or muscle pain

More serious, potentially life-threatening conditions, like seizures, severe abdominal pain or potential drug overdose require evaluation at the emergency department. LincolnHealth’s emergency department is on the Miles campus in Damariscotta.

Patients should call 9-1-1 if they have heart attack symptoms, including chest pain/pressure/tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or stroke symptoms (sudden weakness and/or numbness often on one side of body, speech or vision changes, dizziness). These symptoms require immediate evaluation at the nearest emergency department.

The Urgent Care Center is open 363 days a year, closed only for Christmas and Thanksgiving Day. You can be seen from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the center, located at 9 St. Andrews Lane in Boothbay Harbor.