Mason County Healthcare and Medical Services

Mason County’s healthcare system is centered on Mason Health, a rural health system serving about 80,000 residents. This guide covers hospitals, clinics, specialists, emergency services, mental health, dental care, and veteran services in the county.

Mason Health System

Mason General Hospital (Shelton)

Mason General Hospital is Mason County’s only hospital and the region’s primary acute care facility. Located in Shelton, it provides emergency services, inpatient care, surgical services, obstetrics (childbirth), and specialized treatments.

Services include:

• Emergency Department (24/7)
• Inpatient hospital care
• Surgery (general and specialized)
• Obstetrics and women’s health
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Laboratory and imaging
• Rehabilitation services

Phone: 360-426-1611

Address: 901 Mt. Baker Street, Shelton, WA 98584

Note: Mason General is a critical access hospital, meaning it’s a small rural hospital designated by Medicare. It handles common emergency and inpatient needs, but complex cases may be transferred to larger hospitals in Tacoma or Seattle.

Mason Health Clinics

Mason Health operates several primary care clinics throughout the county:

• Downtown Shelton Clinic: Main location with multiple primary care providers, urgent care, and specialized services
• North Shelton Clinic: Primary care and urgent care services
• Union Clinic: Primary care and specialty clinics serving the Union/Hood Canal area
• Shelton Community Health Center: Sliding scale primary care for uninsured and underinsured patients

All clinics accept most insurance plans and Medicare. Walk-ins and same-day appointments are usually available.

Primary Care and Family Medicine

Finding a Primary Care Provider

Most healthcare starts with a primary care provider (family medicine doctor, internist, or nurse practitioner). Your PCP manages routine care, prevents disease, and coordinates specialist referrals.

To find a provider:

• Call Mason Health’s main line (360-426-1611) and ask for “primary care” or “family medicine”
• Visit masonhealth.org to search providers
• Check your insurance plan’s provider directory

Availability: Most Mason Health PCPs have established patient panels and may not accept new patients, depending on availability. Call ahead.

Urgent Care

For non-emergency illnesses and injuries (minor cuts, infections, flu symptoms, sprains):

• Mason Health Urgent Care Centers: Multiple locations in Shelton and Union. Walk-ins welcome. Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Moderate wait times depending on time of day.
• Cost: Typically $150-$300 per visit, depending on services

Emergency Department

For serious injuries, severe illness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other life-threatening conditions, go to Mason General Hospital’s Emergency Department (24/7).

Phone: 360-426-1611

Triage: You’ll be evaluated by severity. Life-threatening conditions are treated first, regardless of arrival order. Wait times vary from minutes to hours depending on severity and volume.

Cost: ER visits are expensive ($1,500-$5,000+) depending on services. Always have insurance or be prepared to discuss payment plans.

Specialty Care and Referrals

Mason Health and affiliated providers offer various specialties:

• Cardiology (heart): Available through Mason Health
• Orthopedics (bones, joints): Available; may be referred to larger centers
• Oncology (cancer): Limited; usually referred to Seattle or Tacoma cancer centers
• Neurology (nervous system): Limited; often referred out
• Mental health: See section below
• Obstetrics/Gynecology: Available at Mason General
• Pediatrics (children): Available through Mason Health

Referral process: Most insurances require a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist. Ask your PCP to refer you. Some specialists have wait times of weeks or months.

Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services

Mason County Mental Health

Mason County has a dedicated mental health department providing counseling, therapy, psychiatry, and crisis services.

Services:

• Individual and family counseling
• Psychiatric medication management
• Crisis intervention (24/7)
• Substance abuse treatment
• Support groups

Phone: 360-427-9670 (main line; ask for mental health)

Sliding scale fees: Services are available on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Crisis Services

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text, available 24/7)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Local crisis services: Mason County Mental Health provides crisis intervention. Call 360-427-9670 for immediate mental health crisis.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment

Mason County provides drug and alcohol addiction treatment through:

• Mason County Department of Health and Human Services (outpatient counseling)
• Regional treatment centers (inpatient programs in nearby counties if needed)
• Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous (community support groups, free, widely available)

To access treatment: Call Mason County mental health (360-427-9670) for assessment and referral.

Dental Care

Dental care is separate from medical insurance in Washington State. You need a separate dental plan or pay out-of-pocket.

Dentists in Mason County

Several private dental practices operate in Shelton and surrounding areas. Common services:

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams, fluoride)
• Fillings (cavities)
• Extractions (tooth removal)
• Root canals
• Crowns and bridges
• Orthodontics (braces)

Affordability

Dental insurance plans typically cover 50-80% of basic care and 50% of major work. Cosmetic work (whitening, veneers) is usually not covered. Many uninsured people use community health center dental clinics (lower cost, sliding scale).

Community Health Center Dental

Shelton Community Health Center operates a dental clinic with sliding scale fees for uninsured and low-income patients. Call 360-426-1611 to ask about dental services.

Women’s and Reproductive Health

Obstetrics (Pregnancy and Childbirth)

Mason General Hospital provides obstetric care and childbirth services. Pregnant women can:

• Receive prenatal care at Mason Health clinics
• Deliver at Mason General Hospital
• Access postpartum care and lactation support

Note: Complicated pregnancies and premature births may be transferred to larger hospitals in Tacoma or Seattle.

Gynecology (Women’s Health)

Gynecology and women’s health services are available through Mason Health. Services include:

• Pap smears (cervical cancer screening)
• Birth control and contraception
• Hormone therapy
• Pelvic exams and cancer prevention

Pediatrics (Children’s Healthcare)

Mason Health provides pediatric care for children from birth through adolescence:

• Well-child visits and vaccinations
• Sick care for common illnesses
• Development screening and behavior evaluation
• Referrals to specialists for complex needs

Find a pediatrician through Mason Health clinics.

Senior and Aging Services

Medicare

If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for Medicare (federal health insurance). Most Mason Health providers accept Medicare. Enrollment is important—penalties apply if you wait past 65.

Senior Health Services

Mason Health provides geriatric medicine, care coordination for seniors, medication management, and preventive care.

Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing

Several nursing homes and assisted living facilities operate in Mason County for seniors needing ongoing care. Work with your doctor or discharge planner to find appropriate facilities.

Home Health

Home health services (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy) are available for seniors recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions at home.

Telehealth and Virtual Visits

COVID-19 expanded telehealth (virtual doctor visits) in Mason County. Many providers now offer:

• Virtual primary care visits
• Mental health counseling by video
• Specialist consultations by video

Benefits: Convenience, shorter wait times, no travel needed

Ask your provider: Most Mason Health clinics offer virtual visit options. Ask when booking appointments.

Veteran Services

Veterans have access to specialized healthcare through the VA (Veterans Affairs):

• VA Benefits: Healthcare, disability, housing, education
• Nearest VA Hospital: VA Medical Center in Seattle (about 2 hours north) or Puget Sound VA system
• Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC): May be available locally or in Olympia

To access VA healthcare: Call 1-800-827-1000 (VA benefits hotline) or visit va.gov

Local Veteran Services

Mason County has a Veterans Services office that helps veterans navigate benefits and access care. Ask your primary care provider or call Mason County government.

Insurance and Payment

Types of Insurance

• Medicare: Federal insurance for people 65+ (and some younger disabled people)
• Medicaid: State insurance for low-income people and families
• Private insurance: Employer-sponsored or purchased individually
• Uninsured/Self-pay: You pay providers directly

Marketplace Insurance

If you don’t have insurance through an employer, you can buy it through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (wahbexchange.org) or healthcare.gov. Open enrollment is typically October-December for coverage starting January 1.

Financial Assistance

If you can’t afford medical care:

• Community health centers: Offer sliding scale fees based on income
• Hospital financial assistance: Most hospitals offer charity care or payment plans for uninsured/underinsured patients
• Medicaid: Apply through the state if you qualify based on income

Health Resources and Information

• Mason Health: masonhealth.org
• Washington State Health Department: doh.wa.gov
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control): cdc.gov (health information, emergency updates)
• Healthline.com: General health information and symptom checker