Finding fast, affordable care for the injured is an important step in preventing various complications and helping patients return to normal. However, due to problems like emergency room overcrowding, the expensive cost of medical treatments and a shortage of local doctors, obtaining this care is often easier said than done. Fortunately, urgent care clinics are often an effective solution to these common problems: providing medical treatment for a variety of non-life-threatening conditions, urgent care centers are also affordable, convenient and effective resources. Because of this, a number of health systems are beginning to adding urgent help to their repertoire. Recently, Jefferson Health System in Pennsylvania became the latest healthcare organization to join in on this trend.
In early March 2015, Jefferson opened its first urgent care center at the Smylie Times Building in Northeast Philadelphia. According to system representatives, the urgent care clinic will offer care for the injured and ill seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The facility is staffed by emergency room physicians, but like all urgent care centers, will treat non-life-threatening medical conditions.
This addition is part of a growing trend in Philadelphia, which has seen a sudden increase in the number of urgent care facilities over the course of the past three years. Currently, there are an estimated 150 of these medical walk in clinics in the region. Jefferson only plans to add to this number: the organization will reportedly open two more urgent care centers this year, including one in Philadelphia’s Center City. This situation will likely make it easier for city residents and visitors to find care for the injured and ill if a frightening situation should arise. However, it will be necessary for these patients to carefully consider different factors, such as location and quality of care, before seeking medical treatment at one of these facilities. Urgent care centers may be designed for convenience, but just like doctors offices and hospitals, these medical clinics are not created equal.