Specialist Clinics in Grand Rapids Hospitals

Specialist clinics in Grand Rapids, Michigan hospitals provide expert care that goes beyond what most primary care and community clinics can offer. These hospital-based “outpatient” or “specialty” clinics are a vital link between hospital and community care for people living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

In Grand Rapids, specialist clinics are commonly offered through:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) hospitals, including Butterworth Hospital and Blodgett Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

These clinics give patients access to:

  • Ongoing specialist management of chronic and complex conditions (for example, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, cancer, arthritis)
  • Advanced diagnostic services, such as pathology (blood tests) and medical imaging (X‑ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound)
  • Coordinated care with local primary care providers and community health services in the Grand Rapids area

What Are Specialist Clinics?

Specialist clinics (often called outpatient clinics or specialty care clinics) are for people who are not currently admitted to the hospital. You come in for an appointment, test, or treatment and go home the same day.

Types of Specialist Clinics in Grand Rapids

The range of specialist clinics varies by hospital and is based on local health needs in Grand Rapids and Kent County. Common specialty services include:

  • Cardiology (heart and blood vessel conditions)
  • Endocrinology (diabetes, thyroid, and hormone disorders)
  • Pulmonology (lung diseases, including asthma and COPD)
  • Oncology and Hematology (cancer and blood disorders)
  • Orthopedics (bone, joint, and sports injuries)
  • Neurology and Neurosurgery (brain and nerve conditions)
  • Gastroenterology (digestive system conditions)
  • Nephrology (kidney disease)
  • Rheumatology (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
  • Women’s health and maternity care (OB/GYN, high‑risk pregnancy)
  • Pediatrics and pediatric subspecialties
  • Mental health and behavioral health services
  • Rehabilitation and allied health (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietitians)

Care is provided by medical, surgical, nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals who are experts in their specialty.

How to Get Referred to a Specialist Clinic in Grand Rapids

Most hospital specialist clinics in Grand Rapids require a referral.

You may be referred by:

  • Your primary care provider (PCP) or family doctor
  • Another specialist
  • A community health clinic (for example, Grand Rapids Public Health or a Federally Qualified Health Center)
  • A clinician in a hospital emergency department or inpatient unit

What Happens After Your Referral

  1. Referral review

    • The hospital or specialist clinic reviews your referral and determines whether it can be accepted, and how urgent your condition is.

  2. Appointment scheduling

    • Once accepted, clinic staff will schedule your appointment based on the information your referring provider has given.
    • You may receive an appointment date right away or be placed on a waiting list if the clinic is busy.

  3. Notification

    • The specialist clinic will contact you and your referring provider with the outcome of your referral.
    • You may be contacted by text message, letter, patient portal (e.g., MyChart), or phone call.

  4. Referral expiration

    • Referrals are not always valid indefinitely. If your referral expires, clinic staff may ask you to see your local doctor or referring specialist to obtain a new referral.

Waiting Times for Specialist Appointments

Waiting times for hospital specialist clinics in Grand Rapids vary depending on:

  • The type of specialty (for example, cardiology vs. dermatology)
  • The hospital system (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • The urgency of your condition

If you are concerned about your health while you wait:

  • Contact the doctor or clinic that referred you to discuss your symptoms and possible interim treatment.
  • Your primary care provider is usually the best person to manage your health until you see the hospital specialist.
  • If your condition worsens, your doctor can update the hospital clinic and may request a more urgent appointment.

In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (for example, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital Emergency Department or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Emergency Department).

Communication from the Specialist Clinic

You may receive:

  • Appointment offers and reminders by text, letter, phone, or patient portal
  • Instructions to complete tests before your visit, such as:
    • X‑rays
    • Blood tests
    • CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds

Many Grand Rapids specialist clinics are open Monday to Friday, roughly 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and are closed on major public holidays. Some clinics run only on specific days or times.

Keep Your Contact Details Up to Date

It is important to inform the clinic if you:

  • Change your address
  • Change your phone number
  • Change your email or patient portal access

This helps ensure you receive all appointment information and reminders.

Information You May Receive from the Clinic

Before your appointment, the specialist clinic may send:

  • Clinic phone number – to call if you have questions or need to change your appointment.

  • Patient identification or medical record number – you may be asked to quote this when you call, so staff can quickly view your file and appointment history.

  • Map and directions – showing:

    • Hospital location
    • Parking areas and costs
    • Patient drop‑off zones
    • Bus routes or public transit options via The Rapid in Grand Rapids

  • Patient rights and responsibilities – outlining:

    • Your right to safe, respectful care
    • How your privacy and medical information are protected
    • Your responsibilities as a patient (for example, arriving on time, cancelling appointments you no longer need)

  • Telehealth information – explaining how to:

    • Arrange a video or phone visit (especially helpful during winter weather, snow, or icy road conditions in West Michigan)
    • Use the hospital’s online portal

  • Interpreter and language services – including:

    • A phone number to request an interpreter
    • Instructions on when to call (interpreters can be difficult to book at short notice)
    • There is no charge to you for interpreter services

  • Cultural and disability support information – describing:

    • Assistance for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) patients
    • Support for Native American/Indigenous patients
    • Services for patients with disabilities, including mobility, hearing, or visual impairments

Hospitals in Grand Rapids work closely with the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health to support patients from diverse backgrounds.

Appointments for People with Special Needs

Grand Rapids hospitals will make reasonable accommodations for patients with special needs. Let the clinic know before your appointment if you:

  • Are hearing or visually impaired
  • Need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or language interpreter
  • Use a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid
  • Need help because of a cognitive or developmental disability
  • Prefer support from a cultural liaison or community advocate
  • Want a carer, family member, or support person to attend with you

The clinic can arrange appropriate assistance, including accessible entrances, extra appointment time, or support services.

Changing or Cancelling Your Appointment

If you need to change your appointment:

  • Contact the clinic as soon as possible.
  • Staff will try to move your appointment to a more suitable date or time, although this may mean a longer wait.

If you cannot attend or no longer need your appointment:

  • Notify the clinic right away.
  • This helps reduce waiting times for other patients and ensures clinic time is used effectively.

If you miss appointments without notifying the clinic, you may be asked to obtain a new referral from your local doctor before another appointment is scheduled.

Preparing for Your Specialist Clinic Appointment

Before Your Appointment

To get the most from your visit:

  • Write down any questions you have for the doctor, nurse, or allied health staff.
  • List all medications and supplements you take, including:
    • Prescription medicines
    • Over‑the‑counter drugs (such as pain relievers or cold medicines)
    • Vitamins and herbal supplements

What to Bring on the Day

Bring:

  • The appointment letter or message from the specialist clinic

  • A list of current medications and doses

  • Any relevant test results, such as:

    • X‑rays
    • CT or MRI scans
    • Ultrasounds
    • Blood tests or other lab results

  • Your insurance card, Medicaid or Medicare card, and any concession or discount cards you hold

  • Your primary care provider’s name, address, and phone number

  • Any medications or dietary supplements you may need to take during your visit

  • Toys, books, or activities to keep children occupied if they are coming with you

Transport Assistance for Specialist Clinic Visits

Getting to a hospital in Grand Rapids can be challenging for some patients, especially during winter months when snow and ice are common in West Michigan.

If you have difficulty traveling:

  • Discuss your needs with your referring doctor.
  • Ask whether you qualify for:
    • Non‑emergency medical transport
    • Community transport programs
    • Assistance through your insurance plan, Medicaid, or local social services

For patients traveling from rural West Michigan to Grand Rapids, some insurance plans or community programs may help with travel and lodging costs. Your local doctor, hospital social worker, or Kent County Health Department can help you explore available options.

Bringing Someone with You

You are welcome to bring a:

  • Friend, partner, or relative
  • Support person or advocate
  • Carer who helps you at home

If you need someone to care for you at home, it is especially important that your carer attends the appointment so they can:

  • Hear the doctor’s instructions
  • Learn about medications, wound care, or equipment
  • Ask questions about your care plan

If you live in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it is recommended that a staff member attends with you to help understand and carry out your treatment plan.

Parking and Arrival at the Specialist Clinic

Most Grand Rapids hospitals provide:

  • Patient drop‑off and pick‑up zones close to clinic entrances
  • On‑site or nearby parking garages and surface lots (often with a fee)

Check your appointment letter or the hospital website for:

  • Parking locations and current parking charges
  • Validated or discounted parking options for patients

When You Arrive

  1. Check in at reception

    • Go to the specialist clinic’s reception or check‑in desk.
    • Staff will:
      • Confirm your personal details
      • Ask to see your insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare card
      • Direct you to the correct waiting area

  2. Automated check‑in (if available)

    • Some Grand Rapids hospitals use self‑service kiosks or digital check‑in.
    • Follow the instructions in your appointment letter or ask staff for help.

How Long Will Your Appointment Take?

Plan to allow up to two hours for your visit, especially for a first appointment. This time may include:

  • Registration and check‑in
  • Waiting to be seen
  • Time with the doctor, nurse, or allied health professional
  • Additional tests or imaging, if needed

All patients are given a specific appointment time, but:

  • There may be more than one patient booked at the same time if multiple staff are working in the clinic.
  • Delays can occur if:
    • A patient requires more complex care than expected
    • Staff are urgently needed in another part of the hospital

Clinic staff will do their best to keep you informed about delays. If you cannot wait, ask whether a new appointment can be arranged.

Try to arrive 10 minutes early to complete any paperwork, especially if this is your first visit to that hospital system.

Will You See Medical or Nursing Students?

Grand Rapids hospitals such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health are often teaching hospitals. This means you may be seen by:

  • Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals
  • Students or trainees in medicine, nursing, or allied health

Your doctor should introduce any students who are present. You have the right to refuse to be examined or treated by a student, or to request that students leave the room.

Saying no to student involvement will not affect the quality of your care in any way.

Asking Questions During Your Appointment

If you do not understand something that is discussed:

  • Ask the doctor, nurse, or allied health professional to explain it again in simpler terms.
  • You can ask questions at any time during your appointment.

If you need a medical certificate (for work, school, or other purposes), ask the doctor during your visit.

How Many Appointments Will You Need?

The number of visits depends on:

  • The reason for your referral
  • How complex or chronic your condition is
  • Whether you need ongoing monitoring or just a one‑time specialist opinion

Specialist clinics provide care only as long as you need expert input from a hospital specialist. When:

  • Your condition is stable, or
  • Your treatment plan is clear and can be managed in the community

you will usually be discharged back to the care of your primary care provider or another community service.

A letter summarizing your care and treatment will be sent to your referring doctor or clinic.

If You Don’t Have a Primary Care Provider in Grand Rapids

Everyone is encouraged to have a local primary care provider (PCP) or family doctor. Specialists focus on one specific area of your health for a limited time, while your PCP:

  • Knows your overall health history
  • Manages ongoing conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma)
  • Coordinates screenings and preventive care
  • Is usually the first person you see when you have a new health concern

This is especially important in Michigan, where seasonal changes (cold winters, flu season, allergy seasons, and extreme weather) can affect chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, and arthritis.

If you do not have a PCP, you can:

  • Ask the hospital clinic or Kent County Health Department for help finding one
  • Use local health system websites (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) to search for family doctors accepting new patients

If You Have Concerns or Complaints About Your Care

You have the right to give feedback—positive or negative—about your experience in any Grand Rapids hospital or specialist clinic.

You can:

  • Speak directly with clinic staff or the nurse manager
  • Ask to contact the hospital’s patient relations or patient advocate office

Each health system has a team that:

  • Receives compliments and complaints
  • Works with you to resolve concerns
  • Can investigate issues further if needed

Your feedback helps hospitals improve care for everyone in the Grand Rapids community.

Key Points to Remember

  • While waiting for your specialist appointment, your local doctor can often suggest treatments or strategies to help you manage your condition.
  • If you rely on a carer at home, it is important that they attend the appointment with you so they understand your care plan.
  • If you cannot attend your appointment, contact the clinic as soon as possible so your time can be offered to another patient.
  • You have the right to:
    • Ask questions
    • Understand your diagnosis and treatment
    • Decline student involvement
    • Request interpreters or special assistance

Specialist clinics in Grand Rapids hospitals work closely with primary care providers, community clinics, and public health resources to provide safe, coordinated, and patient‑centered care for people across West Michigan.