When you're suffering from an injury or ailment and need to be seen quickly, an urgent care clinic can be a great option. Not only do these tend to be open 24 hours a day, but it's likely that you're located much closer to an urgent care clinic than you are a local hospital. Still, before you stop by an urgent care facility for your injury or ailment, there are a few things you should know.
1. You Might Save on Your Co-Pay
If possible, check with your health insurance company ahead of time so you can be prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur and be expected to pay at the time of your urgent care appointment. Most insurance companies will have a co-pay for urgent care visits, though the amount is often less than it is for an ER visit. Still, it's good to be prepared, as some of these facilities do not bill.
2. You May Be Able to Schedule an Appointment
Most people don't think of urgent care facilities as anything other than a walk-in clinic, but the truth is that many of these facilities actually do accept appointments for certain types of care. If you're injured or sick and need to see a doctor, but your family doctor cannot see you promptly, try calling your local urgent care clinic. More than likely, you can make an appointment to be seen the same-day and avoid waiting once you arrive.
3. It Could Save You Time Compared to the ER
If you have a non-serious injury or ailment, going to the ER could actually waste time because other patients with more serious and/or life-threatening conditions will likely be seen ahead of you. At urgent care, patients are typically seen on a first-come, first-serve basis instead.
4. It's Not a Substitute for the ER
While urgent care can be a great option when you're in need of quick medical attention, it's important to understand that it is not a substitute for going to the ER when you have a serious problem or injury. If your ailment or injury is severe or life-threatening, it is always going to be better to go to the emergency room.
Now that you have a better understanding of how urgent care facilities operate and what to expect from visiting one, you can be more prepared should you ever need to seek urgent care treatment. Contact a company like MED7 Urgent Care Center for more information and assistance.
Share23 March 2018
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