It can be hard to know whether to go to the doctor, emergency room or urgent care. While all of these facilities are available to you when you have medical needs, they are each equipped to deal with different problems. These are great facilities that can help you when you’re not sure what’s going on and you can not see the doctor’s appointment fast enough. They can handle minor emergencies such as cuts and burns. They can prescribe drugs for diseases. If you require emergency room or must be accompanied by a doctor, you will learn what you need when you visit the center too.
Here are some examples of when it is best to go to one of these facilities rather than a doctor’s office or emergency room.
Minor sprains and strains
If you have been hurt playing sports enthusiast or just around the house, it can be difficult to deal with a sprain or strain yourself. Sprains are when the ligaments have been stretched, usually when high power has been applied to the joints. They often happen in ankles and wrists. Strains happen in the muscles, the muscles have been overstretched and fiber tear. Not all sprains and strains are in an emergency, but it helps to rule out serious injuries and have a professional look. This is a classic example of when to go to a local urgent care.
minor Cuts
When the cut is too deep for at-home first aid but not deep enough to warrant emergency room visit, urgent care units can help you properly clean and dress cut and provide loops if needed. Because they are prepared for large numbers of patients, they can often take care of you quickly so you do not have to sit in the waiting room too long.
chronic illness
If you have been trying to take care of a cold or flu and over the counter medications do not help to reduce the symptoms, you can head to urgent care to see if you need prescription drugs or if you need serious medical attention. When you need immediate attention but can not manage to get an appointment with a doctor, you can walk in and discuss symptoms and they can prescribe antibiotics to help you get through the illness.
A good way to determine whether or not to go to urgent care if you are not sure what to do but feel compelled to take action. They can help you figure out what is happening and suggest further assistance if needed. You usually do not make an appointment, but you should make sure that you have insurance information with you when you go. If you do not carry insurance, make sure you have enough money to cover the cost of the visit, as many patients need self-pay to pay upfront.