Most people use urgent care and emergency care interchangeably without knowing that they are two different things. Picture this: if you cut your finger or experience sharp pain in your chest, will that send you to an urgent care center or an emergency room? If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as a severe head injury or a heart attack, you will be rushed to an emergency room. (ER). On the other hand, if you have cut your figure, you will be rushed to an urgent care center for adults and pediatrics in Humble, TX.
What Are Urgent Medical Conditions?
These are medical conditions that are not considered emergencies. However, they still may require treatment within 24 hours. An emergency medical condition, on the other hand, is one that may permanently impair your life or one which can endanger your life if swift action is not taken. Examples of urgent medical conditions include the following:
- Accidents or falls
- Minor broken bones and fractures
- Eye irritation and redness
- Urinary tract infections
- Breathing difficulties including mild to moderate asthma
- X-rays and lab tests
- Cuts that do not involve much blood but need stitches, to name a few
How To Get The Most From Your Urgent Care
1. Get The Right Center For Your Needs
It is not a wise idea to wait until you or your loved one is sick to look for an urgent care center. Always choose one that accepts your health insurance plan. This ensures you reduce your out of pocket responsibility. Also, it is wise to find one that specializes in the care needed at hand. Some urgent care centers specialize in pediatric care, while others may only treat health conditions related to women. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize with the service they provide as well as their operating hours.
2. Know The Best Time To Visit An Urgent Care Center
While you may visit your urgent care center during regular operating hours, it helps save time when you understand when they are busy and less busy. Most urgent care providers are busier at night, during the weekends, or on holidays. Therefore understanding what time they are less busy would save you the waiting time when you need urgent care.
3. You May Not See The Doctor
The person who may treat you in urgent care may not be a doctor. Most urgent care centers have doctors and staff. They may also have physician assistants and nurses who diagnose patients and prescribe treatment for conditions. After prescribing medication, they may recommend a follow up with your doctor.
Calvary Urgent Care in Texas boasts of a team of trained, certified, and experienced practitioners who offer urgent care, primary care, and special care for pediatric patients. This is your place when you or your loved ones need school, immigration, or sports physicals, or if you need immediate medical attention. Schedule a consultation with your specialist to learn more about urgent care emr the range of services available in an urgent care center.