The two most common destinations to visit in the case of a medical crisis are the emergency room of a hospital or an urgent care center. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle extreme physical trauma such as a heart attack and are open 24 hours year-round. Urgent care centers are an excellent option for treatment of all but the most serious physical injuries. It is important for people to understand the differences between the services offered in both environments so they can make the right choice when they or a family member or friend needs medical support.
Advantages of Urgent Care Centers
- Urgent care centers are walk-in clinics. You don’t need an appointment.
- Wait times at an urgent care are usually much shorter than in a hospital.
- The staff are trained and certified to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.
- The cost for urgent care medical services is much less than a hospital visit.
- The staff are trained to identify emergencies that require hospital intervention.
- Urgent care centers have extended hours and are open on weekends.
- Urgent care centers are able to prescribe medication for many illnesses.
- Urgent care centers are conveniently located in neighborhoods and not difficult to reach.
Common Illnesses Diagnosed and Treated at Urgent Care Centers
- Strep throat
- Fevers
- Stitches
- Stomach aches
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Asthma attacks
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sinus infections
- Abscesses
- Colds and flu
- Allergies, rashes and other types of skin ailments
- Burns – 1st and 2nd degree
- Urinary tract infections
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Bone fractures or dislocations
- Ear infections
- Baby and toddler wellness checks
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Laboratory tests and x-rays
- Sports, camp and work physicals
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back pain
- Insect or animal bites
- Testing for STDs
Medical Issues that Require Hospital Intervention
While the professional staff of a walk-in clinic is trained and competent to address most medical emergencies they do not have access to the necessary equipment required for effective treatment of certain types of physical distress. Instead, they will immediately direct you to a hospital emergency room. Examples of trauma that require hospital intervention include:
- Suspected sexual assault and/or potential child abuse. This is a situation that requires hospital and law enforcement intervention.
- Newborn fevers and associated illnesses. A newborn who is presenting with a fever should be taken to a hospital. Their facilities are geared to diagnose and treat these infants.
- Life-threatening issues. If the patient is bleeding profusely, has lost consciousness, is struggling to breath or otherwise shows signs of extreme stress it is best to call for an ambulance and first-responders.
- Chest pains. Chest pains are often an indication of a serious medical problem that will require immediate intervention. They may be a precursor to a heart attack or stroke.
Signs I Should Visit an Urgent Care Near Me
- The emergency is not life-threatening or ‘limb-threatening.
- Your family physician recommends you go to an urgent care.
- The family member or loved one is in mild distress.
- The family member or loved one is conscious.
One More Thing
Urgent care clinics are very careful to only treat patients who are not in immediate distress that requires the intervention of a hospital.
Medcare Urgent Care urges you to visit our center if you are experiencing non-life-threatening health problems that need competent medical attention. Call us at 313-300-2549 or come into the office located at 26611 W. 7 Mile Rd., Redford, MI 48240. We’ll be waiting.