Imagine you have cut your finger – does it mean you should rush to the emergency room only? What if your child wakes up with a fever? Are you confused about where to go exactly? This article aims to disclose 6 secrets about urgent care to help you take the right call.
1. Do you really know what urgent care can treat?
Although people know that urgent care can treat minor illnesses such as fever, cold, injuries, allergies, etc., they are not aware of its preliminary facilities. You can always visit urgent care near you for frostbite, cuts, burns, sprains, and fractures as well. Urgent care provides IV fluids to treat dehydration and vomiting, lab services, X-ray imaging, and EKG. They can also provide access to advanced diagnostic imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound imaging. In case of serious injuries, urgent care centers can get you to the right place as quickly as possible.
2. When should you opt for the emergency room (ER)?
Compared to urgent care centers, ER has more resources at its disposal. Visit the nearest ER if you experience the following signs or symptoms:
- sudden and severe pain
- poisoning
- trouble in breathing
- drug overdose
- stroke symptoms: trouble in talking, change in vision, sudden weakness
- heart attack symptoms: sudden over sweating, chest pain, arm pain, back and neck pain
- loss of consciousness
- continuous bleeding or vomiting
- back or head injuries
- allergy with airway swelling
- major bone break
- severe dehydration
For minor issues, you can always opt for urgent care.
3. Midday visits preferably can avoid wait times
Do you experience prolonged wait times in the morning or evening shifts? If possible, try to visit urgent care early afternoon or late morning.
4. Urgent care works for flu symptoms
You can always avoid getting contracted with flu. Make sure to protect yourself by getting a flu shot. In case you get the flu, online consultation sites like LitonMD can get you medications on time via door delivery and help you feel better as quickly as possible.
5. You may still need a primary care provider
Although urgent care takes complete care of you, you may need access to a primary care provider as well. In that case, you need a platform like LitonMD that has access to both urgent care and primary care services. The provider makes sure your immunizations are proper, discusses health screenings, and monitors medications in managing chronic conditions.
By sharing the electronic record of patients, both urgent care and primary care providers can collaborate and establish care. Furthermore, your provider will be mindful of your ongoing treatments as well.
6. Even physician assistants can handle
Physician assistants in urgent care facilities have adequate experience in handling the cases. They act as mediators between the patients and specialists. They provide first-aid treatments and consult with board-certified providers regarding treatment options if needed. Mostly, physician assistants are trained for emergencies. So, patients are in safe hands.
Wrapping Up
By now, you might have understood the expertise of urgent care facilities. In the future, you can always think about opting for urgent care for minor illnesses instead of heading to an ER.
LitonMD
LitonMD is an online doctor consultation service that allows you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home. We offer primary care physicians, specialists, and other providers who are ready to give you the attention and care that you deserve.
Our services are perfect for anyone who wants to see a doctor without having to leave their home or office. Whether it’s because of a busy schedule, or because you’re not fond of going to the doctor in general, LitonMD provides an easy solution that gives you the same level of care as if you were in an office setting.