When it comes to healthcare, most people avoid it due to the high cost and inconvenience. Emergency rooms and hospitals are overcrowded and waiting is the biggest challenge anyone has to face.
However, on the other hand, the trend is shifting more toward Urgent Care Centers. According to the Urgent Care Association of America, approximately three million patients visit Urgent Care Centers every week.
Neighborhood walk-in clinics are gaining popularity as compared to hospital emergency rooms and practitioners because of affordability and extended opening hours. Overall the Urgent Care Centers are improving the healthcare industry in general.
Let’s have a brief overview of how Walk-in Clinics are reshaping overall healthcare.
Hospitals are overcrowded
People are not aware of the urgent care centers and visit hospitals or practitioners for general health care. They are not fully aware of the convenience and ease the urgent care centers offer to the public and tend to go to the hospitals despite the cost and long waiting hours.
For instance, the Urgent Care Clinics need no appointment which means, patients can walk in anytime according to their own convenience. Moreover, they get the proper treatment within 15 to 20 minutes from the time they check in.
The cost of Healthcare is Mammoth
If you visit an emergency room or practitioner, you might have to pay a cost that is unaffordable. It adds fuel to the oil if you don’t have any insurance. However, when it comes to Urgent Care Centers, you have to pay a nominal fee with or without being insured. Patients can receive the same treatment at a fraction of the cost.
For instance, if you are suffering from influenza, urinary tract infection, sprains, or minor illnesses that are not life-threatening. Moreover, pediatric care, DOT Physical, Immigration Exams, and STD testing are also provided at a minimal cost.
Illness or Injuries are not always Serious
If you visit a hospital or a doctor, you might feel that it is overcrowded with people with varying degrees of illnesses. For instance, if you have a broken arm, flu symptoms, or food poisoning, you might have to wait for long hours. On the other hand, people having life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease, or bullet wounds will be looked at first before patients with non-life-threatening illnesses.
Equipped with High-End Lab Facilities
Urgent Care Centers are equipped with high-end lab facilities which include X-ray, ultrasound, and EKG. With lab facilities, you can access accurate testing such as lipid profile, INR test, fecal occult blood test, allergy testing, basic metabolic panel, and complete blood count. The results will be provided to you within 1 to 3 days and if you are unable to collect the results, a board-certified physician will review your lab results and offer medical advice.
Whether you want to get a flu shot before the season starts or want to recover your sprained ankle, visit the nearest urgent care center in your area. Hospitals are booked with patients that are suffering from life-threatening injuries, but Urgent Care Centers are there to get immediate care and treatment when you need the most.
