Medical Care Options on Nantucket: What to Know Before You Need Care

Whether you live on Nantucket year-round, visit seasonally, or are planning a summer vacation, it is helpful to know where to turn if you need medical care on the island. Nantucket Cottage Hospital offers several care options, including emergency care, primary care, urgent access, specialty care, virtual care, and outpatient services.

Here is a helpful guide to understanding the different medical care options available on Nantucket and when each one may be appropriate.

Emergency Care on Nantucket

In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or visit Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s Emergency Department at 57 Prospect Street. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Emergency care is intended for serious or potentially life-threatening situations, including severe injuries, cardiac events, strokes, seizures, serious respiratory issues, pediatric medical emergencies, bone injuries, extreme burns, and deep cuts or lacerations.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital also lists an island-wide mental health crisis response number: 508-221-3315.

Urgent Access for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions

For non-life-threatening medical needs, Nantucket Cottage Hospital offers Urgent Access. This service is located in the Anderson Building on the hospital campus and is available on a walk-in basis, with no appointment needed.

Urgent Access can be a helpful option for visitors and residents who need timely medical attention but are not experiencing an emergency. During the summer, Urgent Access is open daily. In the off-season, it is open Monday through Saturday. Because hours can change, patients should check the most up-to-date information before visiting.

It is also important to note that Urgent Access at Nantucket Cottage Hospital may not be considered an urgent care center by many health insurance plans. Some insurance plans may require a referral or prior authorization.

Primary Care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital

Primary care is best suited for routine and ongoing health needs. Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s primary care providers can assist with annual physicals, vaccines, and care for common or chronic health issues.

Patients who already have a primary care provider at Nantucket Cottage Hospital can contact their care team directly or use Patient Gateway. Those who need to establish a relationship with a provider can call 508-825-1000.

For year-round residents, seasonal residents, and families spending extended time on the island, having a primary care connection can be especially valuable.

Specialty Care Without Leaving the Island

One of the most helpful medical resources on Nantucket is access to specialty care. More than 30 off-island physicians provide specialty care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital on a rotating basis.

Specialty services may include care such as cardiology, oncology, urology, and dermatology. These appointments are often coordinated through a patient’s primary care team and can help island residents receive expert care without needing to travel to the mainland.

24/7 Virtual Care Through Mass General Brigham

Mass General Brigham also offers 24/7 Virtual Care for one-time medical needs. This service allows patients to connect with a doctor online at any time, day or night.

Virtual care is available to patients ages 3 and older in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For minor medical questions or one-time health concerns, virtual care may be a convenient option, especially when in-person care is not immediately needed.

Outpatient Services on Nantucket

Nantucket Cottage Hospital also provides several outpatient services, including lab work, imaging, infusion, and physical therapy.

Patients who receive medical care on Nantucket should check with their primary care team to schedule these services. Those who receive care off-island can contact Nantucket Cottage Hospital so the team can help coordinate with off-island physicians.

Knowing Where to Go for Care on Nantucket

Understanding the difference between emergency care, urgent access, primary care, specialty care, virtual care, and outpatient services can help patients make more informed decisions when medical needs arise.

For emergencies, always call 911 or visit the Emergency Department. For non-life-threatening concerns, Urgent Access or virtual care may be appropriate. For routine care, chronic conditions, and ongoing health needs, primary care remains an important first step.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital continues to serve as a central healthcare resource for the island community, offering care options for residents, seasonal homeowners, and visitors alike.

Learn More

For the most up-to-date information about medical care options, hours, and services, visit Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s website or contact the hospital directly.

For more Nantucket stories visit our blog at Fisher Real Eastate.