At one time, when a minor medical emergency occurred, people would run to the nearest hospital emergency room for care. But along with the fast service came expensive bills, even for the fully insured.
Urgent care centers have stepped in to fill the void, providing excellent non-emergency medical care at much cheaper rates. They’ve popped up in almost every neighborhood and can often be useful if your primary care physician is unavailable to treat a non-emergency illness or injury. Not only are urgent care centers often easier to access, but they also typically have shorter wait times than an emergency room.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting an urgent care center.
First, you will want to find an urgent care center located near your home. You will also need to understand the level of care they provide, hours of operation and insurance plans they accept.
Find out about your town’s urgent care center options before you need medical assistance. Check your local newspaper or the internet to find the closest urgent care centers in your area. If you have children, it is recommended to select an urgent care facility with a doctor who is qualified in pediatric care.
People who live in larger cities likely have several options within a short distance. But if you live in a rural area, there might be only one option. Look closely at what services the urgent care center offers. Sometimes, rural residents can get more comprehensive medical care at an ER.
“An urgent care center is an excellent backup for the times you can’t see your general practitioner,” said Regina Grover, ARNP at UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care - Sunnybrook.
Most urgent care centers have the equipment to contend with colds, flu, strep throat or an ear infection. They could also help you regain control of your blood pressure or help level out your key vitals. Urgent care providers are typically certified to treat minor injuries such as sprains, strains and fractures, as well as provide injury services like stitching wounds.
When they don’t have the resources to treat an urgent medical issue, the center will transport a patient to an emergency facility in an ambulance. The urgent care staff will work to stabilize a patient while they wait for hospital transport.
Handling payment arrangements for urgent care is your responsibility. You must know if your health insurance covers the providers in the facility. If you don’t have health insurance, flexible payment plans can usually be arranged. Most urgent care facilities also accept credit cards, checks or cash as payment methods.
“Patients at urgent care clinics usually have good experiences,” said Grover. “They appreciate the short wait times. At an urgent care facility, you can see a provider, get a prescription and go home to recuperate.”
In addition to their regular service options, many urgent care centers are now offering preventive services such as immunizations. Other urgent care centers can assist you in managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
While urgent care facilities can’t treat all of your health issues, they are an excellent option when you need same-day medical care and can’t see your regular physician.
For more information, visit unitypoint.org.
