Temporarily, no visitors aged 11 and under are permitted. This year's dominant flu virus is a mutated flu A virus that appears to make children and teens sicker than the typical flu. We are restricting visitors aged 11 and under because young children often can carry and transmit viral infections with no symptoms, especially early in the infection. As always, visitors should not come to the hospital if they have respiratory viral symptoms or nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Effective 1/1/26, all UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA) teammates (including providers and staff) will be required to wear masks when they are around other people indoors.
Patients and visitors will also be encouraged but not required to wear a mask when they are around other people (e.g., in the hallway, in the waiting room, in the exam room being seen). This applies to all UNCHA hospitals, outpatient facilities, and offices.

Emergency & Same-Day

Call 911 or come to the Emergency Room when:

  • You have a potentially life-threatening illness or injury, such as heart attack, stroke, or traumatic injuries
  • Same-Day and your primary care provider are closed

Schedule a Same-Day Appointment when:

  • You have non-life-threatening concerns, such as ear pain, sore throat, sprains, or the flu.
  • You need care during clinic office hours, and you cannot see your primary care provider
  • You need a Department of Transportation physical  

Need Urgent Care?

Make a same-day appointment in Avery County

Make a same-day appointment in Watauga County

  • You do not need to be an established patient at one of our provider practices to schedule a Same-Day Appointment.
  • A Same-Day Copay costs the same as an office visit with your Primary Care Provider.
  • Same-Day appointments provide immediate treatment for acute conditions, faster diagnosis and treatment plans, reduced wait times, and preventing health issues from escalating. 

Emergency Department

Our Emergency Departments provide emergency medical care for life-threatening illness and injuries. Our staff is dedicated to providing the expert care that you expect from our hospitals – quickly and efficiently. Our team of emergency-trained medical staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Same-Day

Get urgent medical care TODAY in Boone and Linville. If your condition is not life-threatening, two of our offices provide same-day appointments for illnesses and injuries such as sore throats, ear pain, allergies, bug bites/stings, strains, sprains, fever and the flu. Office hours may vary.

Emergency Locations

Same-Day Locations

When You Arrive at the Emergency Department

When you arrive at one of our Emergency Rooms, you will be asked for some basic information to complete your registration. A triage nurse will ask you questions to determine the severity of your condition. Patients are treated as quickly as possible, with priority given to patients with the most severe injuries or illnesses.

The following services are available for your convenience while you are in Emergency Services:

  • Our waiting areas provide restrooms, public telephones and television. Wireless access is available in the main waiting area.
  • Food services and snack machines are located on the main floor of each hospital.
  • An interfaith chapel, gift shop and additional seating are located in the lobby of each hospital.

If the emergency physician feels it is necessary, he/she may call in a specialist for consultation on your medical condition. If the physician elects to admit you to the hospital, the emergency department staff will provide care until your admission process is complete and your room is ready. The emergency room staff is not be responsible for personal belongings.

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