Urgent Care is a great and good thing. If you’re throwing up, it used to be that your only option was going to the emergency room (expensive) or waiting to see a doctor (annoying.) Now you can go to a clinic and be seen right away, without the major costs emergency room visits incur. Here’s what you should know before you go, though.
- Nurse Practitioners are EverywhereAlthough there are nearly 20,000 physicians currently practicing in the Urgent Care sector, it’s likely that you’ll be treated by a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant during your visit. These professionals will treat you with the same high-quality care you’d get from a medical doctor (MD), so there’s no need to worry about inexperience.
- Perfect For Minor Problems
If you have a non-life threatening medical issue, such as a laceration, cold, or fever, the professionals at urgent care will be able to treat it. In addition, these services are open during hours when your primary care physician’s office may not be.
- Go In The Week
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know when medical issues will arise, but if you could choose a time to go, you should try to visit during the week. Wait times are typically shorter at this time, especially in the mid-morning and early afternoon.
- Urgent Care Is Not Emergency Services
Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency services. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening situation and need immediate medical attention, you should call emergency services right away and get yourself to the hospital.