The greater Nashville area is home to one of the nation’s best healthcare systems. From world class specialists to state-of-the-art medical centers, Middle Tennesseans are blessed to have access to top quality care at home.
However, despite our region’s extensive healthcare resources, getting in to see a provider can prove to be challenging. While appointment systems are adequate for routine checkups and follow up visits, they do not meet the needs of patients needing immediate treatment.
In order to circumvent the process, some patients choose to go to local emergency rooms to get needed care. While appropriate for critical situations, such as strokes or heart attacks, emergency room treatment can prove to be an expensive option for routine treatment.
Fortunately, there is an alternative that provides top quality care along with convenient scheduling – urgent care walk-in clinics. These clinics help to bridge the gap between primary and emergency care without the hassle.
To find out more about the role of walk-in clinics in the healthcare system, we visited with Mary Beth Walker, the center manager for Hendersonville CareNow Urgent Care.
When did CareNow begin?
“CareNow was founded in 1993 as an independent urgent care provider that was later acquired by HCA Healthcare around 2014, becoming a key part of the healthcare giant’s growing urgent care network. Our Hendersonville clinic opened in 2012 adjacent to the Streets at Indian Lake.”
What kinds of medical services do you offer patients?
“CareNow Urgent Care offers walk-in treatment for common illnesses (e.g. cold, flu, infections and rashes) and minor injuries (e.g. cuts requiring stitches, sprains and minor burns). We also offer physicals (general and school), immunizations and flu shots. Our clinics feature onsite diagnostic services, including X-rays, lab testing and EKGs, as well as occupational medicine services such as drug testing and workers’ compensation evaluations.”
What sets your clinic apart from your competition?
“CareNow Urgent Care stands out because of our commitment to convenient, high-quality care delivered by experienced clinical teams who understand the needs of our community. We offer extended hours, walk-in availability, online check-in, and short wait times to make healthcare accessible for busy families. Our clinics provide comprehensive onsite services like X-rays, labs, EKGs, and occupational health, allowing patients to receive complete care in a single visit. Most importantly, our team leads with compassion and a patient-first approach, ensuring every individual receives timely, personalized care.”
What factors should a patient consider when deciding whether to go to walk-in care facility, a primary care physician, or the emergency room?
“In choosing a treatment avenue, patients should first consider the severity and urgency of their condition. Urgent care providers are best for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries such as cold/flu symptoms, infections, minor cuts, sprains, and burns, or when a patient needs care outside of regular primary care hours. Urgent care provides a fast, cost-effective alternative when primary care is unavailable, and emergency services are not required.
Primary care is ideal for routine treatments, chronic condition management and overall wellness, whereas the emergency room is best for potentially life-threatening symptoms, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, major trauma or signs of a stroke.”
Do you accept insurance?
“Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Patients are encouraged to verify specific coverage with their insurance provider or call the clinic with any questions.”
Do you have physicians on staff?
“Yes, we have physicians who work throughout the market and rotate through our clinics, partnering with our highly trained Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). This team-based model ensures patients receive high-quality care with strong clinical oversight during all operating hours.
Does your clinic coordinate services with other medical providers?
“Absolutely – when a patient requires follow-up care, specialty services, or ongoing management, we help coordinate next steps. Our teams send visit notes, test results, and imaging through our electronic medical records system to primary care providers or specialists, ensuring seamless continuity of care. We work closely with HCA Healthcare partners and other local medical providers to streamline referrals and support long-term patient needs.”
What advice would you give a prospective patient on how to choose an urgent care provider?
“Patients should feel confident that the urgent care clinic they choose can treat their needs promptly while providing compassionate, reliable care. They should look for convenient hours, online check-in, onsite diagnostic and lab services, experienced providers with strong clinical support and a trusted network that can coordinate follow-up or specialty care. Ultimately, accessibility, quality and comprehensive services are the key factors.”
Why CareNow?
“At CareNow, our mission is simple: to make high-quality healthcare easy, convenient and accessible for every patient who walks through our doors. We understand that when you or a loved one isn’t feeling well, you need care that is fast, reliable, and compassionate — and that is exactly what our teams strive to provide every day.
Most importantly, patients are never just a number to us. Every visit is an opportunity to deliver comfort, clarity and exceptional care at a moment when it matters most.”
CareNow Urgent Care
280 Indian Lake Blvd., Suite 140,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.590.1440
"Patients are never just a number to us."
The Hendersonville CareNow Urgent Care location provides fast, high quality care for adults and children in a comfortable, family-friendly setting."