You never know when an urgent situation may arise. That is why it is important for you to know where you should get care beforehand. Your primary care doctor should be the first one that you consult with if you have any health issues. However, many primary care doctors do not have walk-in services that allow you to get immediate treatment. You may also have to wait several days before you can get an appointment with your primary care doctor. You can go to your local urgent care or emergency room if you need quick treatment.
The Urgent Care Center Vs. Emergency Room
The type of health issue that you are experiencing is the main factor that will determine whether you should go to an urgent care center or emergency room. If you have a life-threatening health issue, then you should go to the emergency room. A non life-threatening issue that needs to be treated at an urgent care. You don’t have to make an appointment to go to an urgent care. All you have to do is walk in. You will likely be able to see someone within 30 to 60 minutes.
What You Should Look for in an Urgent Care Center
An urgent care center is designed to treat minor injuries and illnesses. Urgent care centers are growing in popularity, so many places have more than one. That is why it is easy for people to explore the options that you have. You will need to consider the following before you choose an urgent care center.
Location
You need to be able to quickly get treatment if you are ill or injured. That is why you will need to consider the location of the urgent care center. The sooner you get treatment, the more effective it will be.
The Types of Medical Professionals That Work There
Urgent care centers can have several types of medical professionals that work there. You should find out about who will be treating you before you choose an urgent care center. Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, lab technicians, pediatricians and registered nurses are some of the people who work at an urgent care center.
Walk In Services And Online Appointments
Most urgent care centers allow you to book an appointment online. You can also walk in. However, all urgent care centers do not offer this option. Urgent care centers are designed to assess a problem, treat it and then send the patient on their way. You will likely be able to get seen within 10 minutes if you make an appointment before going to the urgent care center. However, if you walk in, then you may have to wait 30 to 60 minutes before you see a provider.
Operating Hours
Most urgent care centers offer extended hours. This means that the urgent care centers open early in the morning and close late in the evening. There are some urgent care centers that are even open during the holidays. Convenient hours make it easier for you to get the care that you need.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
