Should You Go to Urgent Care?
What is Urgent Care?
An urgent care facility is a walk-in clinic where you can get on the spot treatment for a variety of ailments. You may have to wait for a little while if they are busy, but it allows you to be seen the same day that you need medical care. This is great for when your primary doctor is heavily booked, but you need care fast.
When to Go to Urgent Care
You might find yourself wondering when to go to urgent care. Maybe you\’re unsure of what they will treat you for or you aren\’t sure if your symptoms are bad enough to warrant medical care. The nice thing about urgent care clinics is that they treat a wide variety of problems and they won\’t turn you away even if all you have is a cold. They will still see you and prescribe you medications if need be.
You should go to an urgent care facility any time you need immediate care. If you have an injury such as a sprained ankle or a laceration, you can go to one of these facilities. If you\’re throwing up and can\’t keep food down or are having chest pain and breathing difficulties, they can help you.
A good rule of thumb is that if you are concerned about the illness or injury you are dealing with, then it can\’t hurt to go see a doctor. You don\’t have to have an incredibly high fever or pain so severe you can\’t handle it. It\’s okay to address smaller concerns and get peace of mind.
Finding an Urgent Care Facility
Finding an urgent care facility is simple and there is a strong chance that there is one close to your home. All you have to do is run a quick online search for urgent care clinics in your area. This will present you with your options and you can choose a clinic to visit based on location, reviews, or both. Many places will allow you to book a time slot ahead of your arrival to cut back on wait time, although there may still be a short wait when you arrive depending on how busy they are.