Urgent care facilities are still relatively new. Many people have not visited one yet for medical treatment, and are wary of doing so. Although the popularity of urgent care centers is rising, some are still unsure of how exactly these clinics are run. You may have heard both positive and negative reviews regarding urgent care facilities, but many of those negative statements are just myths. Check out the four most popular urgent care myths to get the truth on the services and quality of care they provide.
- They aren?t well equipped to treat a variety of illnesses.
This myth is common among people who have likely never been to an urgent care. Many urgent care facilities can handle the same illnesses and ailments as your primary care physician. The emergency room in a hospital is necessary for life-threatening injuries or illnesses, but minor medical emergencies can be handled at an urgent care location. Most have x-ray machines to diagnose and treat a broken bone or full lab services for any diagnostic testing. Did you know you can even get fast STD testing at an urgent care facility? Do you research to see which clinics near you offer the services you?re looking for. - They won?t treat young children.
Many people believe you need to see a specialized pediatrician to treat babies and infants. It?s definitely important to have a good pediatric doctor as your primary care physician, but urgent care facilities are staffed with a team of medical professionals who are trained to treat patients of all ages when an emergency strikes. An urgent care clinic is a great option when your child?s medical issue cannot wait another day to see your pediatrician. - You?ll be waiting a long time.
Emergency room crowding has become a major issue in American health care systems. Many people believe that urgent care facilities carry the same stigma, but that is untrue. Over 60% of all urgent care centers will only have you waiting 15 minutes or less. An urgent care facility is a walk in health clinic, meaning no appointments are necessary, and the numbers prove you’ll only wait a short while to be seen. - You need insurance to be seen.
Although insurance will lower the out of pocket cost for an urgent care visit, you don?t need insurance to be seen. You?ll still receive the same high quality medical treatment for you and your children, even if you do not have insurance for family care. Many urgent care centers are a great low cost health clinic option and have a base fee that is typically much lower than an emergency room visit. Most list their rates online, so check your local urgent care center?s website to see if you can afford the service you need.
Did any of these urgent care facts surprise you? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.