Urgent care, also known as walk-in care, is a popular healthcare option for people in need of treatment when their primary care physician’s office is closed or their symptoms aren’t considered serious enough to call the emergency room. These walk-in clinics are staffed with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who can treat non-life threatening health conditions, such as minor-to-moderate cuts or burns, and coughs.
There are more than 7,000 urgent care centers around the country. These services are a cheaper and faster alternative to the emergency room, and they’re seeing a lot of growth as people seek out lower-cost healthcare options.
The Best Time to Visit an Urgent Care
While you can always visit an urgent care center during its normal hours, you should know that some times of the day are busier than others. This includes nights and weekends, when many doctor’s offices are closed and the number of patients waiting ahead can impact how long it takes to get seen.
Choosing the Right Urgent Care
When looking for urgent care, it’s important to choose one that accepts your insurance plan (and is in network if applicable) to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. It’s also a good idea to select one that specializes in the care you need. If the facility communicates well with your doctor’s office, this could be a plus.
What to Expect When You Go To Urgent Care
In addition to the usual physical exam, you’ll also have a more thorough discussion about your symptoms and health history with the doctor. This can include a review of your medication and any previous visits to the doctor. The doctor will likely ask questions to determine what’s wrong, and may prescribe medication to help you feel better.
A few urgent care physicians will also perform on-site diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This is a good idea to have done prior to visiting an urgent care center, so you can have a clear picture of what’s happening with your body and get the appropriate care.
Don’t Wait in Line for More than 30 Minutes
You don’t want to be stranded in the lobby of urgent care while your health care professional examines you and decides how to proceed. In addition to taking your time, you can also reduce your wait time by choosing the right urgent care, and avoiding rush hour.
If you’re not sure what to do when you get sick, it’s best to go to urgent care during the morning or evening. This way, you won’t have to worry about having to leave work or school.
It’s also a good idea to call your doctor’s office to let them know you’re going to urgent care and what you need to bring with you. This will help your provider determine if they can see you that day or need to schedule an appointment for later.
Your doctor’s office can also notify the staff at your nearest urgent care if there are any changes to your condition that may need to be taken into account. This way, your provider will be able to make the most of your visit.
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