What Is An Urgent Care Facility?

If you've ever been sick or hurt enough to require medical attention, but not enough to warrant a rush to the ER, you may have ended up at an urgent care center at one point or another. These are quality medical facilities that operate on limited hours or service rather than 24/7 like a traditional hospital ER. No appointment is necessary; however, which makes it an ideal alternative for those without life-threatening problem but still requiring immediate medical attention.

There are two categories of urgent care, one that requires a licensed physician on the premises at all times of operation, and another that requires the same of a licensed practitioner. They generally run set hours, such as 9am to 5pm, but must be open seven days a week excluding holidays, as well as operate for a minimum of 3000 hours a year. These centers offer services to patients of any age (with the exception of those specifically licensed for pediatrics). They will treat a variety of illnesses, injuries, and other medical complaints but do not function as an emergency room as patients may have to wait to be seen depending on the amount of patients on a given day.

In addition to the previously mentioned criteria to meet the standards of an urgent care center, the facility must also offer several different types of services during their hours of operation. These include x-ray (for breaks, fractures, and internal problems), automated external defibrillator, phlebotomy services, and administration of IV medications or fluids. There must also be two available exam rooms. Staff on hand must also be properly trained and licensed to use all equipment and administer treatments to patients if necessary.

There are several benefits to choosing a visit to the urgent care center over the ER or waiting long periods for an appointment with your family doctor. The first and most important is the drastically shorter waiting period and slashed fees. Depending on how busy the clinic is, wait times can range between immediate upon walk-in up to thirty minutes, but rarely will exceed an hour (which is especially helpful for those in considerable pain or discomfort). If your illness or injury is life threatening, then you should rush to an ER. The most common treatments sought by patients include cold and flu, bone breaks, muscle strain or sprain, animal bites, skin conditions, minor infections, and mild burns and cuts. The costs are less expensive when compared to ER treatment and insurance is accepted.

Urgent care centers are also great places to do minor medical checkups. They provide additional services that can take months of waiting at your typical doctor's office. Many people visit these centers to get travel vaccinations or pre-trip checkups, TB testing as a job requirement, STD tests, and other lab work as necessary. The physician or practitioner at the facility can also prescribe medication as needed. If required, any pertinent information regarding your appointment can be sent to your regular family doctor.