Need care today? We're here for you
When you choose Ascension Illinois, you'll find all the care you need, doctors who listen, convenience and care that's connected. When you need care right away, emergency care is close to home throughout the greater Chicago area. ER care teams at Ascension Illinois are here 24/7 for life-threatening and severe illness and injury. When it’s not an emergency, but you still need to be seen right away, you’ll get the same level of compassionate care in our immediate care centers, in collaboration with Physicians Immediate Care, or during a doctor’s visit in-person or online.
Care right away: 24/7 emergency care at Ascension Illinois
Getting the right care at the right time can make a difference in an emergency. Doctors, nurses and care teams in our ERs work quickly to understand you and deliver the care that’s right for you and your family. When your child needs emergency care, doctors and care teams at our ERs are trained to care for children and their specific needs. You get an entire team dedicated to your care. So, as your healthcare needs change and become more advanced, we’re here for all your care needs and connecting the dots for your specialty care. Call 911 or go directly to an emergency room if you or a family member are experiencing:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Sudden abdominal pain (moderate to severe)
- Severe burns
- Sudden back pain (severe)
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Chest pain
- Severe shortness of breath
- Major trauma
- Mental health emergency or crisis
- Sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness
- Pregnant and having labor pains
- Sudden neurologic changes like weakness, difficulty speaking, numbness, difficulty walking, or loss of consciousness
- Severe skin infections or complicated abscesses
Stroke care
When you or a loved one have symptoms of a stroke, every second counts. Ascension Illinois has designated Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Primary Stroke Centers — meaning we deliver 24/7 advanced stroke care. And, we connect you with specialists for follow-up care and rehabilitation.
Advanced trauma care
If you or a loved one need care for a traumatic injury, we’re here for you. Our trauma network includes a level I trauma center at Ascension Saint Francis in Evanston, and level II trauma centers in Chicago, Kankakee, Aurora, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, and Joliet. When you choose trauma centers at Ascension Illinois, you get highly trained trauma surgeons and care teams with the expertise to treat serious injuries. Our care teams work together to provide multidisciplinary, comprehensive emergency medical care. Each trauma center is verified by the American College of Surgeons and/or designated by the State to ensure they are equipped for, and capable of, caring for patients with serious injuries.
Care today: immediate care at Ascension Illinois
When it’s less of an emergency, but you still need care right away, the right place to go is an urgent care clinic if your doctor’s office is closed. Doctors and care teams at our immediate care centers in collaboration with Physicians Immediate Care deliver the right care for children and adults with minor injuries and illnesses. If you need more advanced care, the doctor and care team you see will connect you with a specialist and other care services. Consider a visit to an immediate care clinic for:
- Allergic reaction (moderate)
- Bites
- Burns (moderate)
- Cold-like symptoms
- Cuts that may require stitches
- Mild asthma
- Sudden back pain (moderate)
- Minor headaches, minor head injuries
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Mild skin infections or abscesses
- Sprains and strains
Care anytime: visit with a doctor in-person or online
If it’s not an emergency and your doctor's office is open, that’s the right place to start. Go online to schedule or call to ask about same-day, next-day, or online visits. Primary care doctors and pediatricians start with a conversation to deliver the right care for minor illnesses and injuries. And if you need more advanced care, they will connect you with specialists and other services close to home, and part of our network of Ascension sites of care. Talk with your doctor about:
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Ear and eye infections
- Fever
- Rash
- Seasonal allergies
- Sinus or upper respiratory infections
- Sore throat, strep or a cough
- Urinary tract infections
Choose to be connected to our network of care and specialists
When you choose Ascension Illinois, you have an entire team dedicated to your care. If you need more care, we will connect you to experienced cardiologists, vascular specialists, heart surgeons, neurologists, orthopedic specialists, oncology specialists, behavioral health specialists, urologists, OB-GYNs, general surgeons and more for the right follow-up care. Your care team also helps you manage your medications and sends prescriptions to Ascension Rx or your preferred pharmacy. And you will be connected to imaging and lab services, close to home.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 911. Signs or symptoms of an acute emergency may include shortness of breath, chest pain, open fracture, fainting, severe bleeding, head injury or other major trauma, one-sided weakness or numbness, loss of consciousness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, or bites or stings.