Getting sick or injured does not occur when it’s convenient, and for this reason, you may need medical attention anytime. When you have any issue that requires prompt treatment but is not life-threatening or risking disability, urgent care may be what you need. Urgent care facilities offer immediate medical services primarily on an outpatient basis. Professionals at your Maywood Urgent Care treat acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, including the common cold, migraines, cuts, burns, and low-grade fevers. It is important to note that urgent care should not replace your primary doctor. Here are several things to know about urgent care.
Urgent care facilities have better working hours.
Accidents occur without warning and require immediate treatment most of the time. Being unable to receive medical care during non-business hours can be frustrating. The good news is that you can visit your urgent care center during the facility’s usual operating hours and the weekends and holidays. Take note that some days may be busier than others, including nights when most doctor offices are closed. If more people are ahead of you, you may have to wait longer to be seen. If you need urgent care, it is best to call your nearest center and ask for the estimated wait time before leaving your house.
You need to carry the necessary medical documentation.
Unlike your primary care provider, who has an extensive record of your medical history, urgent care centers do not have a relationship with you. For this reason, you need to carry all the essential medical records with you to urgent care. Have a list of all your current medications and supplements and your most recent insurance information. It would be best if you also carried significant medical diagnoses to receive the best care possible. Consider having your doctor’s name and office information for you or your child. If you bring a minor who is not yours, carry their parental authorization form. Your ID is necessary to verify your identity since urgent care centers don’t have a relationship with you.
Urgent care centers are not emergency rooms.
Urgent care services treat a wide range of problems, including strep throat, burn, urinary tract infection, colds, and allergic reactions. However, they are limited in the type of care they can provide. You should go straight to the emergency room if you have life-threatening problems such as shortness of breath, unconsciousness, severe headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and severe vomiting.
Seeking urgent care in such cases can be dangerous because doctors at an urgent care facility may not have the necessary equipment to treat your problem. Knowing what urgent care facilities can and can’t treat will help you choose where to go for medical treatment.
You may not see a doctor at an urgent care center.
Doctors are part of the professionals in an urgent care facility, but others include nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Any of the above care providers can diagnose and treat various health conditions. Regardless of the type of healthcare provider you see, they will offer treatment and most likely refer you to your regular doctor.
Visit your healthcare provider at Everyday Urgent Care whenever you need immediate medical attention.
