5 Things You Should Know About Urgent Care Services
Urgent care is a medical service available for people who need immediate, but not emergency, attention. Simply put, it is the name given to the category of medical services that fall between those provided in a doctor's office and those provided in an emergency room. They cater to people who need emergency services, but not as an emergency. Many urgent care services are available at walk-in clinics, but can also be found in hospitals.
What Kind of Conditions Do People Typically Use Urgent Care For?
People may visit an urgent care facility if they have a wide variety of medical conditions that are not life threatening but need emergency attention. For instance, they may use urgent care if they have a cold, flu, or other less serious medical condition that needs immediate attention.
Other conditions that require immediate medical attention include:
- Abdominal pain, particularly if it's severe or worsening
- Chest pain or discomfort, particularly if you also have sweating, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- An injury that results in bleeding
- Unconsciousness
- Severe pain in the stomach area, with or without vomiting
- Prolonged pain, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or weight loss
How Is It Different Than Emergency Care?
Emergency care, unlike urgent care, is available when the person's health is in danger, and they cannot wait for an appointment. This service is generally available through a hospital emergency department or via a 911 telephone call.
Who Can Visit an Urgent Care Center?
Almost anyone who has a less-serious medical problem, but needs immediate attention to feel better, may seek urgent care services. Children and adults may use this type of medical service for many common ailments, from colds to more complicated diseases and injuries. On some occasions, an urgent care center may also provide wellness services.
Why Do People Visit Urgent Care Centers?
People often seek urgent care services because they cannot get an appointment with a doctor or their regular healthcare provider during the day. People may also use these centers to avoid going to a hospital emergency department.
Why Should You Consider Urgent Care Services?
Urgent care centers may be a good choice for you if you need medical treatment but have to wait a few days or weeks until you get an appointment with your regular doctor.
Urgent care services are often cheaper than emergency departments. Fees for visits to most urgent care centers are generally covered by health insurance providers, just as they would be if the patient went to see their primary physician. Fees vary slightly depending on the provider and location, but are generally inexpensive.
Conclusion
Urgent care provides diagnosis and treatment for patients who have non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries requiring immediate attention. In other words, they provide immediate medical care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses when regular doctor's office hours aren't convenient, usually in the evenings or on weekends.
For more information, contact an urgent care facility like 75th St Injury & Illness Center.
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