Some problems can be too serious to wait for a regular doctor’s visit but may not require a trip to the emergency room. Urgent Care centers are a great option for those with a minor medical emergency. They are much less costly and have shorter wait times than hospitals.
An Urgent Care center is ideal if a person is injured, but it is not a life-threatening situation. These centers offer x-rays, wound cleaning, stitches, and many more services that can help in treating injuries. Some common injuries treated at these facilities include sprains, strains, cuts, and animal bites.
Sometimes, a person may not know exactly what is wrong or causing specific issues. An Urgent Care center is still a good idea, as they can treat many symptoms such as wheezing, rashes and itching, coughing and sore throat, unexplained pain or swelling, nausea and vomiting, and headaches.
An emergency room may be the first thought that comes to mind when you need a quick health solution, but an Urgent Care center has many more advantages:
- They are convenient and local.
- They provide much faster response times.
- They have quick 24/7 access to lab results and medical files.
- They have much lower copays and medical costs.
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PLEASE NOTE: Freestanding ERs are often confused for Urgent Care Centers. When seeking care in emergent situations, please make sure that you are going to an Urgent Care facility, NOT a freestanding ER, as there may be no plan benefits for the freestanding ER.