Did you know that in one recent year over 139 million people visited emergency rooms in the USA?
Natural disasters and international pandemics have greatly increased the number of people that go to hospitals each year. Should you go with anything less than a life-threatening situation, you may be forced to wait for a long time before treatment.
Did you know that you can receive better care for some ailments from the urgent care section of a walk-in clinic?
Why not read on to find out more about what they can offer you?
When Should I Go to Urgent Care?
If you are not facing a true emergency, urgent care is probably the most advisable and efficient way to get treatment. Many urgent care clinics are open 7 days per week and treatments there often cost less than the ER in a major hospital.
If you are concerned about the basic care and technology that they can provide, you can rest assured. Most urgent care clinics have standard basic technology such as X-ray imaging devices and other diagnostic machines.
They have the authority to prescribe medication should you need it, and can even recommend specialists for your ongoing treatment.
What If My Conditions Worsens?
You may be worried that your condition is more serious than you realize and that to be safe you should choose the ER. However, this may not be the best course of action.
If you are unsure about the seriousness of your ailment, the urgent care clinic will be your most efficient route to treatment. You will receive a consultation more quickly than at the ER. Further, the urgent care clinic will be able to quickly assess and provide a professional opinion on your conditions.
In short, if you need to go to the ER they will ensure that you get there fast and will provide an explanatory recommendation for treatment.
How to Prepare For Your Visit
If you have not been to a walk-in clinic before, there are some items that you should take with you. It would be good to bring a copy of items that relate to your physical condition.
This could include a list of any treatment you are receiving, including allergy medications or pain medication. You should be able to show how much you are taking and the frequency.
A brief medical history will be very helpful for the doctor at the urgent care clinic. This could include a history of any medical procedures you have had or ongoing physical therapies.
Why You Should Choose Urgent Care Over the Emergency Room
If you have an emergency situation, it is critical that you get the care that is best suited to your condition. Previously, you may have thought that you can receive the best general care in the emergency room.
However, as we have seen urgent care offered by walk-in clinics may be a faster, more efficient, and suitable option.
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