Urgent Care Clinic vs. Emergency Room
Do you ever feel like you are in the wrong place during emergency room visits?
According to experts, you are.
Urgent care needs make up nearly half of medical care costs in the U.S., according to recent studies. Most healthcare expert reports indicate hospital emergency room visits include up to 70 percent of non-emergency cases, though the average emergency room visit deductible has more than tripled within the last two years. This has become very controversial with recent efforts toward healthcare reforms. Experts argue that emergency room visits should be reduced.
Dr. Cauthen at Today Clinic says this is unlikely to become a reality in the very near future, due to the structure of the healthcare system. However, we can continue to educate the community on alternative treatment options and payment options that are available, and are more appropriate, for urgent care needs.
It’s important to understand the conditions that can be treated at urgent care centers. If your condition/injury is severe enough for the emergency room, you may be transported. However, urgent care facilities are a good option for most emergency care needs, common symptoms – and even chronic conditions.
Common Injuries treated at Urgent Care:
Acute Conditions
- Common Cold
- Flu
- Stomach Flu
- Strep Throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Sinusitis
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Chronic Conditions
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD
- Osteoporosis
- Weight Loss
Urgent Medical Care
- Spider Bites
- Sprains and Strains
- Minor Fractures
- Food Allergies
- Food Poisoning
- Insect Sting
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Work / Sports
Having Strange Symptoms?
Sometimes, you may not know exactly what is wrong. In this case, it is still a good idea to come to an urgent care facility if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Swollen glands
- Rash
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Minor abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Other unexplained pain or swelling