When to Seek Clinical Treatment at Urgent Care Center?

In the United States, urgent care centers play a crucial role in providing medical assistance for patients who require immediate attention but do not require emergency room services.

According to a recent study conducted by the Urgent Care Association of America, over 9,000 urgent care centers are operating across the country, treating an average of 120 million patients every year. With the increasing need for quick medical attention, it’s important to know when it is appropriate to seek clinical treatment at an urgent care center. This information will help you make great decisions about your healthcare and ensure you receive the right treatment at the right time.

What Is Urgent Care?

Urgent cares assist patients with an illness or injury that is not life-threatening, and the patient can wait until the next day for the required treatment. It is ideal for minor medical treatments such as lab work or vaccinations. You should see an urgent care center when your body needs medical treatment for an acute illness or injury. The doctors and medical professionals in urgent care receive the same training as medical physicians.

Types of Services Provided by Urgent Care Centers

The following is a list of services that an urgent care center provides:

• Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries such as flu, cold, fever, cuts, sprains, and broken bones.
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Physical exams, such as sports physicals or pre-employment screenings.
• Vaccinations and immunizations.
• X-rays and other diagnostic imaging services.
• Treatment for minor burns and lacerations.
• Asthma and allergy treatment.
• Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Treatment of digestive problems such as abdominal pain, heartburn, and nausea.
• Evaluation and treatment of minor eye problems such as pink eye or foreign body removal.

How Do Urgent Care, Emergency Room, and Primary Care Differ?

Urgent care, emergency room, and primary care are different types of medical facilities that offer varying levels of care for different types of medical conditions.

 Urgent care centers are designed to provide prompt medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor injuries and illnesses. They are often open longer hours than primary care physician offices and can be a convenient alternative to the emergency room for patients who need immediate care but do not have a life-threatening condition.

Emergency rooms (ERs), on the other hand, are equipped to handle life-threatening conditions and emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and serious injuries. ERs have a more extensive range of medical equipment and trained medical staff, and are open 24/7 to provide immediate medical attention in life-threatening situations.

Primary care physician offices are typically where patients receive ongoing medical care for routine health issues and preventive care. They also coordinate care for chronic conditions and can refer patients to specialists when necessary. While primary care physician offices are not equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies, they can provide same-day appointments for patients with urgent needs.

Benefits of Urgent Care

Urgent care centers have several benefits, including the following:

1. Convenient working hours - Urgent care centers are usually open seven days a week with late evening hours. Also, you don’t need an appointment to get care.
   
   
2. Time Management – Generally, you have to wait for long hours in an emergency department before you see a doctor. At urgent care centers, most of the patients are seen within an hour.

3. Multiple Services - Urgent Care Centers diagnose and treat a wide range of services which include sore throat, fever, eye or ear infections, strains, fractures, insect bites, allergic reactions, nausea, and many more.
   
   
4. Cost-effective -  Another major benefit of an urgent care center is that it is usually less expensive. It is very helpful for those who tend to avoid such urgent care services because they are not able to afford them due to high costs.

How Does Urgent Care Assist You Over Other Medical Institutions?

Urgent care centers are the fastest-growing component of health care services. Long waiting hours in other medical centers have accelerated the growth of urgent care centers. Emergency rooms have a never-ending struggle to keep up with the coordination and services of the patients. Meanwhile, the primary health care services have not expanded enough to accommodate all their patients and provide them with the required services. An urgent care center also acts as a medical middle ground where doctors diagnose, cure, and provide efficient services to their patients without delay.

How Can Metro Urgent Care Help You Get Immediate Medical Care?

At Metro Urgent Care, you can get timely and cost-effective care from a licensed urgent care team and medical professionals. Being leading urgent care in Chicago, IL, we have been providing excellent medical services to our patients. From in-house lab services to pediatric care, you can walk into our clinic for almost everything. Contact us today to receive adequate and comfortable services.