Urgent Medical care centers are an excellent option for minor medical issues, lab work, and vaccinations. They are easily accessible and offer a convenient alternative for those who do not have a primary care physician or need medical attention outside regular business hours, according to a Trusted Source research conducted in 2021. Additionally, they are a reliable option for those who require medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions and would have otherwise gone to an emergency room.
However, it’s important to note that urgent care centers differ from emergency care centers. They are not equipped to handle life-threatening medical conditions.
Before you visit an urgent care center, there are a few essential things that you should be aware of.
Check-in online if you can
Urgent Medical care clinics are usually walk-in facilities, which means you can see a healthcare professional without making an appointment. However, the wait time can vary greatly depending on the number of people ahead. Seeing a healthcare professional could take 20 minutes to an hour or more.
If you want to visit an urgent care center, it’s worth checking if they accept appointments. A quick phone call beforehand can help you reserve a specific time slot and shorten your wait time.
Even if an appointment isn’t an option, some centers may offer online check-in. Visit the center’s website to see if this service is available. You can help the center prepare for your arrival and reserve your spot in line by providing initial information online.
This process works like a waitlist at a restaurant – it’s not a guaranteed appointment, but it means that the wait time can start before you even get to the center. This way, you can spend less time sitting in the lobby and see a healthcare professional sooner.
Find the right center for your needs.
If you have health insurance, choosing a center that accepts your insurance plan (and is in the network if applicable) to reduce out-of-pocket costs is essential.
Choosing a facility that specializes in providing the specific care you require is essential. This can be a plus if the urgent medical care communicates well with your doctor’s office.
Urgent care centers specializing in pediatric care are a good fit for children. Other clinics specialize in treating issues related to women’s health or orthopedics.
Knowing the location of the nearest urgent care center to your home can be very helpful. Familiarize yourself with the type of services provided by this clinic and the clinic’s operating hours.
Know what to bring with you.
Urgent care centers do not maintain an extensive record of a patient’s medical history like a regular doctor’s office does. Bring all necessary medical documentation to the clinic to expedite treatment and receive the best care possible.
Having your most recent health insurance information and the names of any prescription medications you take when visiting a medical facility is essential. It’s also good to list your significant medical diagnoses and vaccination history. If you have a primary care physician or a pediatrician for your child, have their name and office information with you. If you bring a minor, not your child, ensure you have their parental authorization form.
You’ll also need to bring a picture ID. The clinic requires your ID to verify your identity. You are responsible for paying any copays at the time of the appointment, so please ensure you are prepared.
Know the best time to go.
You can visit an urgent medical care center during the clinic’s operating hours if you need urgent medical care. However, please note that some times may be busier than others, such as nights, weekends, and holidays when many doctors’ offices are closed.
The more people ahead of you, the longer your wait time may be. If you have the flexibility to stay longer, you can call your nearest urgent care center to inquire about the estimated wait time before leaving home. You can plan your visit accordingly and minimize your wait time.
Arrive during clinic hours for faster healthcare professional attention.
Realize that you may not see a doctor.
Before heading to an urgent care clinic, knowing that the person who treats you might not be a doctor is essential. Many urgent care centers have doctors on staff, but they also have a team of physician assistants and nurse practitioners who can diagnose and prescribe treatment for various health conditions.
Regardless of the type of healthcare professional you see, they will likely offer treatment and recommend following up with your regular doctor if you have one.
Don’t go to urgent care for a life-threatening emergency.
Urgent care centers are suitable for non-life-threatening conditions.
- Burns
- Sprains
- Diarrhea
- Mild Asthma attacks
- Strep throat
- Bug stings
- Vomiting
- Cold or flu
- Non-life-threatening allergic reactions
- Dehydration
- Small lacerations
- Urinary Tract infection
- Simple broken bones and fractures
However, for a significant emergency, go straight to the emergency room. Situations that may require a hospital visit can include:
- Vaginal bleeding while pregnant
- Abdominal pain while pregnant
- Chest pain
- Multiple injuries
- Unconsciousness
- Severe allergic reaction
- Confusion
- Stroke symptoms
- Dizziness or vomiting
- Complicated breaks and fractures
- Severe headaches
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Difficulty breathing
The takeaway
Urgent care centers are medical facilities that treat non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor injuries or illnesses. You can visit these centers without an appointment, but scheduling an appointment or checking in before you arrive can help reduce your wait time.
It’s always preferred to see a doctor or healthcare professional you’ve seen before, especially if you have a chronic condition that can wait. However, if you can’t get an appointment quickly enough for a minor, acute problem, an urgent care center can provide the same level of care.
But it’s important to note that urgent care centers are not emergency rooms. If you experience a major medical emergency, call an ambulance immediately to get help as soon as possible.
