Many people don’t have family doctors. In fact, that describes more than half of all millennials in the United States.
The good news is that they are alternatives. For example, you can visit a walk-in clinic. The emergency room is also an option for those who require immediate medical assistance.
Then there are urgent care centers. Basically, they’re a type of walk-in clinic for non-emergency cases.
Interested in learning more about how these facilities work? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be going over some facts that you might not have known about below!
What Is An Urgent Care Center?
Urgent care centers are a type of walk-in clinic that focuses on caring for patients with non-life-threatening conditions. For example, they can help if you have a fever, abdominal pain, or small cuts that require stitches.
Depending on where you go, the clinic may also be open 24 hours a day.
And for those who are wondering, some are able to perform covid-19 tests. You can learn more about that at Quick Care Urgent Care.
4 Facts About Urgent Care Centers That You Might Not Have Known
Urgent care clinics have become more popular over the past several years. Here are a few surprising facts about them!
- They Reduce Unnecessary ER Visits
People usually go to the ER if they can’t see their primary care physician. With urgent care centers, however, they won’t have to—they can go to the clinic instead.
In doing so, there won’t be as much congestion in the emergency room. In other words, those who need immediate help will get it faster.
- Urgent Care Doctors Are Able to Prescribe Most Medications
Urgent care doctors are able to prescribe most medications including antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and short-term pain medications.
Some, however, you’ll have to see your primary care doctor for. For example, they may not prescribe narcotics or anti-anxiety medications.
- They’re Not the Same As Retail Clinics
Urgent care clinics are different from retail clinics, which are typically located in supermarkets and retail stores. For one thing, they’re equipped to treat more illnesses and injuries.
Generally speaking, they also have longer hours (remember, some are open 24 hours a day).
- Urgent Care Centers Are More Affordable
Going to an urgent care center is considerably cheaper than going to the emergency room. If anything, that’s one of the reasons why more and more millennials are preferring these facilities.
On average, you’re looking at around $100 to $200 for a visit, compared to $500+ for the ER.
Visiting an Urgent Care Center
And there you go—4 surprising facts about urgent care centers. As you can see, they’re quite different from emergency rooms in more than one way.
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