When You Should Go to Urgent Care

Urgent care is the delivery of medical services through an outpatient setting. You can visit this type of facility on a walk-in basis, which is useful when your primary care physician isn't available. At least once in your life, you will consider using one. Here's how to tell if you're making the right decision.

Visit an urgent care when . . .

You need immediate assistance. You can't wait 24-hours to see your primary care physician. You are either in extreme pain or need medical care that a first aid kit won't fix.

You forgot to refill vital medication. You have to take a specific drug daily to treat a chronic condition. You need a physician to prescribe this medication and your primary care physician is off duty.

Your ailment is not life threatening. You're not on death's door. You injury or illness does not merit an emergency room or require high-tech, diagnostic equipment.

A clinician recommends you go to one. You spoke with a nurse or physician about your ailment that recommended you visit an urgent care. They feel this kind of facility can provide you the appropriate medical care.

Avoid going to urgent care when . . .

You need a referral to a specialist. An urgent care physician will not refer you to a specialist. He will only treat your immediate medical need. To receive this type of service, see your primary care physician.

You desire the services of a specialist. Urgent care physicians will only offer you basic care for a condition. They are not specialists in any area. If you want to make more expert advice, make an appointment with a professional that focuses on a specific area of the body.

You require a follow-up for an ailment. Your regular physician should always perform follow-up care. He's the clinician most connected to you. You should ask him what's next because he can offer the best advice about your health.

You want an extensive treatment plan. Your primary care physician is the professional most familiar with your personality and medical history. He can offer you the best advice on extensive treatment for a chronic condition. An urgent care physician might steer you in the wrong direction because he has limited knowledge about you.

Use the above information to determine when you should go to urgent care. Only attend this type of facility when it's appropriate and helpful. Obtain the rest of your medical care through your primary care physician, a specialist or an emergency room.

Also See:
5 Signs You Need To Change Doctors
When Your Headache Is More Than Head Pain