Urgent Care Vs Emergency Rooms

By Gary Steadman 

When you are in need of immediate medical care, it can be frustrating to even consider waiting in an emergency room. When a treatment is needed, family doctors are not always available due to being overbooked or limited office hour availability. Thankfully, urgent care walk-in clinics exist. Here is a breakdown to explain when you should choose urgent care versus visiting the emergency room.

When to Visit an Urgent Care Clinic versus the E.R.

The reason ER rooms tend to have such a long wait is primarily due to people using them for non-emergencies. If a patient needs healthcare for a condition that is not life-threatening, a walk-in clinic is likely a better choice. These medical needs could be any of the following.

Cold or flu symptoms
Sinus pain
Coughing, sore throat, or respiratory problems
Minor burns, bruises, scrapes, or lacerations
Fractures
Asthma
Abdominal pain
Pediatric illness
Allergies, rashes, or hives
Stings and bites
Headaches
Fevers
Work related injury
Foreign objects in the nose or eye

When to Use the ER

Emergency room visits should be reserved for medical emergencies that are not covered by walk-in clinics. These are unexpected, sudden conditions that threaten the life or health of the patient. Call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention immediately for any of the following:

Physical or sexual assault
Pregnancy complications after 20 weeks, such as bleeding, labor, or decreased movement
Inhalation of smoke or chemicals
Loss of limbs or deep wounds
Severe head injury
Sudden confusion, dizziness, loss of ability to speak, numbness, or weakness
Major burns
Poisoning, suicidal behavior, or overdose
Vomiting blood

Know When to Go

You could save a considerable amount of time and money by making use of walk-in clinics rather than emergency rooms. An emergency room wait can take hours, while you could be seen within 20 minutes at an urgent care facility. Not only will you free up space in the emergency waiting area, but you will receive personal care in a timely manner. Urgent care provides x-rays, medication distribution and prescription, and lab work.

Extended hours make walk-in clinics a convenient alternative to the emergency room. Also, urgent care is affordable and these clinics accept most insurance policies. For urgent and everyday healthcare needs, avoid the emergency room and choose the walk-in clinic instead. You will save yourself a lot of discomfort and frustration by knowing the difference between a medical emergency and a health condition.

If you're feeling sick and don't feel like waiting for hours in a packed emergency room, visit an urgent care facility. Doctors Express, located in St. Petersburg, Florida is available after hours for walk in patients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Steadman

Categories: HEALTH