There are more choices than ever when it comes to patient care options. Many clinics and facilities now offer patients the option to use their primary care physician or family doctor for non-emergency types of appointments and then also use the associated urgent care clinic for other non-life threatening issues.
Typically, the urgent care clinic is used when the primary care physician is not in, is fully booked, or when the patient needs care after doctor’s office hours. These clinics, particularly when affiliated with your regular health care office, provide quality care for extended hours and usually over the weekends and even on holidays.
When Not to Use Urgent Care
Urgent care is not designed to replace an emergency room (ER) found in your local hospital. The ER has access to operating theaters, specialists and teams of triage-trained nurses and physicians.
Anytime a person is in a life-threatening medical emergency, use the ER and not the urgent care facility. Examples of these issues could include:
- Heart attack or stroke
- Poisoning or suspected overdoses
- Pregnancy and birth emergencies
- Suicide attempts or ideations
- Vehicle accidents where there are serious injuries, bleeding, head trauma or multiple broken bones
- Respiratory problems where the patient cannot breathe
If you are in doubt, remember that if you are calling an ambulance, you will use the ER. If you aren’t sure, call the urgent care facility, and they can advise you on the best option.
When to Use Urgent Care
You should consider using an urgent care clinic when a patient has:
- Minor cuts or injuries
- Possible strains, sprains or fractures
- Digestive or stomach problems
- Colds, flus, allergies or asthma issues (not significant enough to stop breathing)
- Back pain, joint pain or muscle aches and pains
- Infections or rashes
- Mild to moderate abdominal pains
- Wounds, lesions or injuries that are not life-threatening
Typically, anything you would schedule an appointment to see a doctor you can take to the urgent care treatment facility. Keep in mind your primary care physician should still be your first choice for these issues whenever possible.
