Urgent Care Walk-in Centers A Convenient Choice for Busy Individuals
Urgent care medicine is a growing specialty within the United States. Currently, there are 20,000 physicians that practice this type of medicine. The Urgent Care Association of America has reported that approximately three million patients visit these centers every week.
The Benefits of Urgent Care Centers
There are several benefits to visiting an urgent care center for medical evaluations and treatments. In addition to there being a shorter waiting time to see a physician or mid-level provider, these centers also cost less than a traditional hospital emergency room visit. Furthermore, 85% of these facilities are open throughout the entire week. Many also have extended hours in the morning and evening, which is an added convenience.
What Urgent Care Centers Treat
Urgent care centers can provide treatment for a variety of minor injuries and illnesses. Fracture care, for example, is available at four out of five of these centers. Ankle and other types of sprains, such as wrist sprains, can also be treated. Americans come down with roughly one billion colds every year, and an average of five percent to 20% come down with the flu as well. Both of these common illnesses can be treated at an urgent care center.
It’s important to note that preventative care is also available. Flu shots and other vaccinations, such as those needed when traveling to specific countries, can be administered. General medical check-ups as well as work and sports physicals can be received at an urgent care center.
Visit an Urgent Care Center to Learn More
Since you’re a busy individual, there’s an excellent chance that you would like to be able to receive medical care without having to make an appointment. Urgent care centers offer this option. When you know that you will have time in your schedule to make an appointment, you can do this conveniently online. Whether you need a flu shot, a sports physical, or other medical treatments, you will usually only need to wait a short period of time. On average, it should only take about 15 minutes before you will be able to see a physician or a physician’s assistant.
