Urgent care refers to the immediate care for an illness or injury that is not life-threatening. You may need urgent care if you have a fever, the flu, a stomachache, or a sprain. During your visit, your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam, take your temperature, order blood tests, and prescribe medications if necessary. Urgent care can help relieve mild to moderate symptoms that are not life-threatening. If you have more severe signs or the symptoms worsen over time, it’s vital to seek emergency medical care by dialing 911 or going directly to the nearest emergency room. There are several benefits of visiting a South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center instead of the ER, and we look at some of them in this article.
- More Affordable
Family medicine/ urgent care centers are typically less expensive than an emergency room. This is because you will likely pay a copay for your visit, which can be much less costly than the co-payment for an emergency room visit. Also, if you have health insurance, you will typically need to appeal your claim if it was filed for an emergency room visit instead of urgent care.
- Less Crowded
Emergency rooms can be very crowded, and it may take a long time to see a provider. Urgent care clinics are typically much less crowded, so you will likely see a healthcare provider sooner. This is especially important if you are experiencing something uncomfortable.
- More Convenient
The setup of an urgent care is typically much more convenient than an emergency room. Most urgent care facilities are open seven days a week for extended hours, so you can visit whenever it’s most convenient to you. Also, if your symptoms worsen over time or become more severe, you can quickly go to the nearest emergency room. If you have a medical emergency, it is vital to call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER. They are equipped for life-threatening emergencies and will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatments and medications more quickly than urgent care can.
- More Appropriate Treatment Provided
In some cases, visiting an urgent care center is more appropriate than going to the emergency room. If you have a minor injury, such as a sprain or broken bone, an urgent care center is the best place for you to go. Urgent cares are also suitable for illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as the flu or a cold. Emergency rooms are equipped for life-threatening situations and will therefore not be the best place to go for illnesses or injuries that are non-life-threatening.
- On-site Pharmacy Access
Urgent care facilities typically have an on-site pharmacy, which means you can get the medications you need without going to another location. This is incredibly convenient if you are experiencing a medical emergency and do not have time to go to a pharmacy.
In summary, urgent care refers to the immediate care one receives for an illness or injury that is not life-threatening. It has various advantages such as affordability, convenience, and lesser crowds. Additionally, urgent care clinics have on-site pharmacies for easy access and offer more appropriate treatment.
