Urgent Care - What Services Can They Really Provide?

There is a difference in going to the urgent care facility in your local area and turning to an emergency room or waiting for your doctor to have an available appointment. The rule of thumb may be to go to the emergency room when you need medical attention, especially in situations where the needs are life threatening. However, you may need less immediate or rushed service in other instances. In some cases, these facilities can provide you with everything you need and then some.

Each One's Different

Keep in mind that every facility is a bit different from the next one. Some provide more services or unique features compared to another one. Get to know the one in your hometown. Since it is the closest to you, you can often plan to visit these providers from time to time. It is a good idea to know what your options are, though and what services you can expect to have available to you here.

What Services Are Available

Sometimes, they can provide many of the services people would normally go to their doctor to get. However, scheduling a doctor's appointment and waiting for your provider to be available can be a hassle. To avoid this, consider turning to a professional medical provider at these facilities. They can provide you with a range of the services that you need and want to use including the following.

- Urgent care facilities can provide you with help right away. This may be from an illness or infection or just from a minor injury. Medical care is available in many instances.

- You may need lab work completed. These professionals can schedule you to have the necessary lab work done on time according to your doctor's recommendations.

- You may need to have shots or to update your medical records if you are traveling abroad. If that is the case, be sure to know what types of shots and care you need so you can avoid going to the local health department for more information.

- You may need to have x-rays done. Some facilities will provide you with this level of care to ensure that you are on the right track to healing.

- You may need to get follow up care. Sometimes, instead of going to your regular doctor who may have a long waiting list, you can visit the urgent care to get the following up treatment you need.

Most of the urgent care facilities will provide services to both adults and children. For emergencies in which there is a life threatening event, call 911 and visit an official emergency room. For most other services, these facilities can be just what you need to get health and to feel great all over again. Make today the day you get back to being healthy by visiting these professionals for the services you need.