Urgent care centers are becoming increasingly common in the United States. In 2019, for instance, about 26.4% of American children had one or more visits to an urgent care facility. Most Americans don't have time to wait in ever-busy emergency rooms. Due to a chronic shortage of healthcare professionals, most primary care providers are rarely available when patients need them. Thus, many people prefer urgent care services.

What Is Urgent Care?

As you know, accidents occur when you least expect them. Also, you may fall sick at odd hours, such as in the middle of the night. Your baby may also develop a fever on the weekend when your family doctor is unavailable.

In all these instances, you may not know where to go, especially if symptoms are severe and you can't wait for your regular doctor to open. You need to visit an urgent care center.

Urgent care clinics are established to provide medical care to ailments, injuries, and sicknesses that require immediate attention but aren't life-threatening. They bridge the gap between primary care physicians and the emergency room.

Which Medical Services Are Provided Through Urgent Care?

Urgent care services are available for injuries and acute illnesses. These two conditions require attention but aren't severe enough to be treated in the emergency room. If you visit an urgent care facility, you can receive treatment for the following conditions:

• Minor fractures
• Fever
• Back pain
• Minor headaches
• Stomach problems
• Flu
• Sprains and strains
• Allergies
• Minor cuts
• Animal bites
• Rashes

When Do You Need Urgent Care Services?

Urgent care services are available for medical conditions that need immediate treatment. Even if the medical issue is not life-threatening, it can't wait for one or more days. In other words, you don't have time to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.

Here are three main instances when urgent care services are right for you:

• When your primary clinic is closed
• When your primary care physician is fully booked, and cat get you in
• When your medical issue is not serious enough to be treated in an emergency room

Why Should You Try Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers have become progressively popular in the US. They are rapidly replacing walking-in clinics.

Here are four reasons why most Americans prefer them:

• They are cheaper than emergency rooms
• They have flexible working hours
• They have less wait time compared to emergency rooms and your primary care physician's office
• You don't need an appointment to see a doctor

Conclusion

Although some medical conditions aren't life-threatening, they can't wait for a day or two until your primary care provider is available. You can drive to the nearby urgent care center and get treatment, even without an appointment. Contact a center like 75th St Injury & Illness Center to learn more.