Urgent Medical Care centers are set up to assist patients with an illness or injury that does not appear to be life–threatening but also can’t wait until the next day or for a primary care doctor to see them.
Urgent Care Centers offer accessible and quality healthcare outside primary care physicians’ working hours and for those without a primary care physician, without the inconvenience of emergency rooms.
What is an Urgent Medical Care facility?
Urgent Medical Care facilities support when an issue is related to a minor, severe injury or illness. Urgent Care Centers help to reduce the patient load in hospital emergency rooms through the early evening hours. Most centers will provide care after 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. They are open for a few hours and on weekends to care for patients with less extreme health issues.
If healthcare workers at an Urgent Medical Care facility believe your situation is too severe to be treated at that location, they will typically refer you to the ER. The Urgent Medical Care center focuses on helping patients when they cannot meet their primary physician.
When to head to Urgent Care?
Urgent medical conditions are not considered emergencies but require care within 24 hours. Some examples of such conditions include:
- Accidents and falls
- Sprains and strains
- Moderate back problems
- Breathing difficulties (i.e., mild to moderate asthma)
- Bleeding/cuts
- Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests
- Eye irritation and redness
- Fever or flu
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
- Severe sore throat or cough
- Skin rashes and infections
- Urinary tract infections
Life-threatening emergencies, such as a heart attack or a severe head injury, require a visit to the Emergency Department.
Where Can I Find an Urgent Care Facility?
Some Urgent Care Centers are connected to hospitals, while others are independent medical facilities. One of the great things about using Urgent Medical Care facilities is that most ER visits can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In difference, an Urgent Medical Care facility can cost relatively less.
In addition, insurance companies generally pay more for Urgent Care visits than ER visits. Some insurance companies may only pay for ER visits if the medical emergency is accurate. This can leave you with a costly bill to pay on your own. Urgent Medical Care facilities commonly propose a single charge instead of multiple accounts. The ER can charge you a fee for the visit and a different direction from the doctor.
Are Urgent Care Centers Expensive?
Many are concerned that Urgent Care Centers might be more expensive than emergency rooms or traditional medical care. However, this is different.
Primary care physicians have a set office visit price, depending upon your area and their specialties. Urgent Care centers are the central place for many patients for care — especially on weekends or evenings when their primary-care physicians don’t have office hours.
Urgent Care centers are a boon for patients in different methods. Urgent Care centers offer x-ray imaging and other services such as lab and minor orthopedic procedures. The extended hours and immediate care availability at Urgent Care centers provide convenience for patients.
Know where to go: How to choose between the doctor’s office, Urgent Medical Care, & ER.
The Doctor’s Office
In case of non-emergency situations, it is recommended to contact your primary care doctor first. Your doctor better understands your health history, including your medications and chronic conditions, which can be considered while treating you. Additionally, visiting your doctor will cost you less than going to an emergency room, and you can avoid the typical wait times in an emergency room. Even if your doctor is unavailable or an expert in the area of care you need, they can refer you to a specialist or another medical professional.
Urgent Care Centers
Urgent Care Centers and retail health clinics are good options if you can only reach your doctor or need care during regular office hours. Retail health clinics are walk-in clinics in many big pharmacies and retail stores. They are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician associates and are designed to treat uncomplicated conditions like cold and flu, ear infections, and skin conditions. Urgent Care Centers have physicians on staff and can provide care for a more excellent range of conditions, including performing x-rays.
In most cases, the out-of-pocket cost of visiting a retail health clinic or Urgent Care Center will cost less than a trip to the emergency room, but it’s always a good idea to check to ensure your plan covers the location you select.
Emergency Rooms Treat Serious Issues
Emergency rooms are prepared to treat urgent, acute, and life-threatening diseases and aren’t the place for routine care or minor ailments. If you are dealing with a health emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room instantly. Otherwise, one of the above options will save you time and money and clear the way for patients needing emergency treatment.
Final words
When it comes to seeking Urgent Medical Care, Urgent Care Services in Livonia stands out as a reliable and efficient option. The facility provides timely and expert medical attention to individuals needing immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions.
Choosing this facility guarantees access to medical services without the long wait times often associated with emergency rooms. Overall, Urgent Care Services in Livonia is a crucial resource for the local community, delivering top-notch care when needed most.
