What Is Urgent Care? When Should You Use It?

Urgent care is medical care given to treat minor medical issues. It includes services like vaccinations and lab work. Urgent care centers are widespread and easy to find. They can be helpful if you have an injury or ailment that needs to be checked out soon. You can try afc urgent care if you have any health issues that should be looked at by a healthcare professional. 

When Should You Use Urgent Care? 

What is Considered an Urgent Medical Condition? 

Urgent medical conditions require care within 24 hours. Some examples of urgent medical conditions include:

• Cuts that don’t lead to heavy bleeding but will still need stitches
• Falls and accidents
• Mild to moderate asthma attacks
• Diagnostic services like laboratory tests and X-rays
• Redness and eye irritation
• Flu or fever?
• Minor fractures in the toes and fingers
• Moderate back problems
• Severe cough or sour throat
• Infections and skin rashes
• Strains and sprains
• Urinary tract infections
• Diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting

Things to Keep in Mind Before Opting for Urgent Care 

Here are a few things to remember before visiting an urgent care center: 

Check Online 

Most urgent care centers are walk-in clinics. You will not require an appointment to see a healthcare professional. This could lead to varying wait times depending on the number of people waiting ahead of you. The wait time could range from 20 minutes to several hours. It is recommended to see if the urgent care center offers online check-in. You can go to the center’s website and provide initial information if online check-ins are allowed.

Find the Right Center 

It would help if you found the right center based on your requirements. Check if the facility specializes in the care you need. For instance, some centers may specialize in pediatric care, while others may treat orthopedic or women’s health issues. If you have health insurance, you should find a center that accepts your policy.  

Know What to Take with You 

Typically, urgent care centers don’t maintain detailed records of a patient’s medical history. Bring all your medical documentation to speed up treatment and receive the best care possible. Some important documents include your latest health insurance information, the names of your prescription medications, information about any significant medical diagnoses, and vaccination history. You must also carry your primary care physician’s name and office information. You may also need a picture ID to verify your identity.  

Determine the Best Time to Go 

You can visit an urgent care center during their regular operating hours. But some of these times will be busier than others. The centers may also be closed on weekends, holidays, and nights. Choosing the right time to visit can cut down on your wait times.

Remember That You May Not Always See a Doctor 

You may not always see a doctor during your visit to the urgent care center. Most urgent care centers have doctors on staff, but they also have other staff members like physician assistants and nurses who can diagnose and prescribe treatment for different health conditions.  

No matter which healthcare professional you meet, they will offer treatment and recommend following up with your regular doctor.  

Is Urgent Care Expensive? 

People often feel that urgent care centers are more expensive than emergency rooms. But this is not true. A visit to an urgent care center can cost you between $120 and $150 on average. The cost of additional services like injections, x-rays, casting bones, and medication is added to the base price. This works out much cheaper than emergency care visits which can cost anywhere between $400 and $1,200. 

Difference Between Emergency and Urgent Care 

Emergency units treat life-threatening health conditions in people of varying ages. A visit to the emergency room is the best option when you require immediate medical attention. On the other hand, urgent care is a bridge between your primary care provider and the emergency department. You can visit the urgent care center to treat minor ailments and injuries that cannot wait till the next day.