If your physician is among the more than 70% of doctors in America who do not see patients after business hours are over, there is no need to go to an emergency room to get immediate medical attention for a non-fatal issue. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that nearly 50% those who visited the emergency room were not ill enough to warrant a hospital visit, but went there nonetheless specifically because their doctors were not available.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, you’ll definitely want to consider going to an urgent care facility instead. These urgent care locations offer convenient care for patients whose conditions are not so critical that an ER visit is necessary, but demands prompt attention nonetheless. While urgent care facilities typically diagnose and and prescribe treatment for pressing medical conditions once they present themselves, they also offer physicals, x-rays, and lab test results.
But what are the additional benefits of after hours urgent care centers? For one, you’ll likely not have to wait as long as you would in the emergency room. Plus, the cost to you will be significantly less than if you went to the emergency room.
With the urgent care industry bringing in $14 billion each year in the United States, you’re likely to find a walk in clinic in your area that will meet your needs. If you have additional questions, comments, or recommendations on how to get convenient care at an urgent care facility, feel free to share in the forum below. Check out this website for more.