Life can be erratic at times. Today, you may have a great time, but the next minute, you could have an unforeseen health concern.
Recognizing when to go for urgent care can ensure that you save money and time, as well as get the necessary care for your health problems.
Let us discuss the cases where urgent care is the most suitable option and learn their services.
At Advanced Medical Care, we provide urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions. We treat minor illnesses, skin conditions, injuries, and offer lab testing and exams. Contact us for more information.
What Is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a place for patients with health problems that aren’t emergencies. It’s available when you need help but can wait a little. They usually offer quick medical care for common sicknesses, small injuries, and urgent health problems.
With these facilities, you do not have to book an appointment because they are mostly open even in the daytime and at weekends.
As a result, they are an appropriate alternative to the doctor’s regular office when shut down or when appointments are not arranged quickly enough.
When to Go to Urgent Care?
Visit an urgent care center in these situations:
- Minor Injuries
If you have a small cut, minor burn, sprain, or simple fracture, urgent care assistance is available. For example, if you turn your ankle, while in a game, urgent care can treat you.
- Common Illnesses
Urgent care is appropriate for bothers such as colds, flu, ear infections, or sore throats. If you don’t have a high degree of fever but feel bad, urgent care can help you.
- Mild Allergic Reactions
Conditions such as itching, rashes, or slight swelling at the site of an allergy can be easily cured by the services of urgent care.
Nevertheless, for such reactions as breath disordered children, you should start treatment at the emergency room as soon as you can.
- Minor Skin Issues
Problems like rashes, minor infections, or small abscesses are solved at urgent care. Therefore, if you observe a part of your skin being red and swollen, then urgent care could be able to help you out.
- Mild Asthma Attacks
Visit urgent care for breathing techniques and medication adjustments if your asthma is bothering you or causing severe effects.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Complaints like a burning sensation while urinating and frequent pee urgencies will be sorted at the immediate care setting. They test and also provide you with antibiotics in the rare cases you might need them.
When to Go to Urgent Care with Fever?
Urgent care will suit you when the fever shoots to 102°F (38.9°C) or above, and it doesn’t get better within 3 or more days or the person with the symptoms has acute problems like breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, constant vomiting, or a rash.
A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in babies under 3 months needs quick medical attention.
In case of weakened immunity, high temperatures notwithstanding, urgent care should be the order of the day. Where possible, it is always good to consult a healthcare provider for advice.
What Services Does Urgent Care Offer?
Urgent care clinic provides numerous services such as:
- Treating minor injuries and illnesses.
- Doing X-rays and lab tests.
- Giving vaccines.
- Prescribing medicines.
- Providing physical exams.
They have many advantages because they help you to overcome health problems quickly and at the same time it is not necessarily an emergency.
Reasons to Go to Urgent Care
You might choose urgent care:
- If the patient needs medical attention before the regular office hours.
- If the doctor is not an option and the patient cannot wait for an appointment.
- If the patient has a health issue that requires urgent care but no life is in danger
Benefits of Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care facilities possess a couple of advantages:
- Quick Access: This is because you can often be seen by a healthcare provider within a shorter time than when you have to wait for an appointment with a doctor.
- Extended Hours: Through the night they operate as usual, and on weekends too, so you can as well when it is more favorable.
- No Appointment Needed: Visit anytime, no appointment required.
- Cost-Effective: Usually, an urgent care visit costs less than an ER visit for non-urgent issues.
Can You Go to Urgent Care for Chest Pain or Back Pain?
Clinics for the victims of sudden chest pain should offer immediate help. However, if chest pain is major, you should not hesitate to seek emergency healthcare just go to the ER right away.
New sudden back pain that is disabling and accompanied by numbness or weakness is the case for seeking immediate care.
Does Urgent Care Do Sonograms?
Many urgent care centers are going to do sonogram tests, however, it will greatly depend on the specific urgent center. Some urgent care centers use ultrasound devices.
Technicians use imaging for many reasons. They check for pregnancy, gallstones, kidney stones, and soft tissue injuries. Not all urgent care centers prioritize offering sonograms.
These tests need advanced equipment and skilled specialists. Call ahead to check if the urgent care center offers sonograms. If not, they will direct you to a hospital or radiology center for scanning.
When to Go to Urgent Care vs Doctor?
Try an urgent care center when your doctor isn’t available. Some reasons to visit urgent care instead of a doctor include:
- Your doctor’s office is closed (weekends, evenings)
- You need care fast and cannot wait for an appointment
- You need tests, X-rays, or minor procedures done quickly
However, if you have a long-term condition or need regular care, your general practitioner (GP) is the best choice.
Conclusion
Knowing when to go to urgent care can help you access suitable care when it’s critical. Urgent care centers are a fantastic choice for small injuries and conditions.
They offer quick attention and save you money. However, for critical or life-risking issues, always visit the emergency department or contact 911.
FAQs
What is immediate care?
Immediate care is for health issues that need quick help. These situations aren’t critical. They include minor injuries and illnesses.
Do urgent cares do STD testing?
A lot of urgent care clinics check for STDs. If you sense you are carrying one, get tested and treated quickly.
Is a general practitioner cheaper than urgent care?
Going to your doctor is generally more affordable than immediate care. For urgent needs, visit urgent care, not the ER.
Should I go to urgent care for back pain?
Urgent care helps with back pain from lifting. They might propose relaxation, workouts, or treatment. Go to the ER if you have severe pain or weak legs.
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