Need to See a Doctor Without an Appointment?

 

Many adults are concerned with finding convenient medical care. Getting an appointment at the doctor’s office can often take a few weeks. But infections and minor injuries cannot wait for your doctor to have an open time slot. Furthermore, many people try to find time to go to a doctor during non-work hours, which is difficult to do with the hours most doctor’s keep. This is why more people are turning to urgent care instead.

Urgent Care Handles the Health Concerns That Can’t Wait For an Appointment.

Urgent care clinics are not equipped to handle the same injuries and illnesses that the emergency room treats. An emergency room treats life-threatening injuries and illnesses. An urgent care center can treat health concerns that could cause long-term health problems if not addressed. For example, in 2012 the most common diagnosis was for upper respiratory disease, and the most commonly performed procedure was wound repair.

What Symptoms Does Urgent Care Treat?

It is important to know that each urgent care center has its own set of policies. Meaning, while four out of every five centers are capable of treating fractures, it is beneficial to check before walking in. Facilities typically treat fractures, upper respiratory concerns, minor exterior allergic reactions, and supply intravenous fluids as needed.

A facility cannot handle severe injuries or illnesses. Minor injuries such as fractures can be treated at most places. So can persistent coughs, headaches, and minor skin irritations such as poison ivy. In other words, an ailment that will not go away on its own and needs some measure of medical attention.

How Can a Facility Offer Convenient Care?

Facilities are a better option for many working professionals. For people who don’t have time to go to their primary care physician during working hours, a medical treatment center is often open during convenient times. About 85% of centers are open every day of the week, with some opening at 7:00am and others staying open until 7:00pm or later. These extra hours are also convenient due to the fact that injuries rarely occur at opportune moments.

Imagine you start to feel unwell in the middle of a workday. It could be a scratch in your throat, or maybe you just feel drained. The next morning, it’s a full-blown cold. Or is it something more serious? While you may not want to take a full day off of work to double check, you know you’ll have to do something. This is the gap that urgent care centers fill.

It is best to be prepared. Check out the centers nearest you through a quick internet search, or by asking friends and family. Find one that is close, and has good reviews. Knowing where to go the next time you’re unwell will help relieve the stress of the moment. You’ll be able to make a plan because you will have all the information ready.