It can be difficult to determine if a situation is serious enough to require a trip to an urgent care facility. Here are some of the key signs you may need to attend this type of medical clinic.
The Injury is Not Life-Threatening.
It's a bit counterintuitive, but some injuries are too critical for an urgent care center. If there is severe bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it is usually best to go to the nearest hospital. Even a well-equipped medical clinic does not have the same resources as a hospital if it is necessary to perform an operation. Larger facilities with more beds can also accommodate patients for longer periods of care and monitoring. This is especially important for cardiac events that may require extended periods of monitoring and recording for diagnosis.
Symptoms Indicate a Sore Throat or Cold.
Common illnesses such as the common cold are perfect reasons to visit a nearby medical clinic rather than a more distant facility. The usual antibiotics or injections can be prescribed without the longer waiting times of hospitals. Walk-in patients are welcome, it is not necessary to make an appointment with the GP a few days in advance. A sore throat is just one example of the many common illnesses that are best treated sooner or later. If left untreated, the disease can cause middle ear infections and other types of infections. It is best to have diseases treated in a timely and efficient manner whenever possible.
All You Need is a Physical Exam .
Again, one of the biggest problems with going to your GP is the time you have to wait for an appointment. Most medical clinics are fully capable of performing the simple exams sometimes required by employers and other organizations. Especially when you have to complete the exam on a tight schedule, it's great to have the convenience of a local walk-in office. These places can also run your regular annual checkups, a useful service for busy professionals.
You Only Need a Few Stitches.
It can be difficult to assess severity, but minor cuts and abrasions are well within the capabilities of the stand-alone ER. If you have access to distilled water, it is often possible to rinse a small cut and see the length better. Cuts that are only about an inch long shouldn't require all the extra resources of a hospital. More medical care may be needed for cuts that are longer, deeper, or are bleeding profusely. If the injury also hit the patient's head, a CT scan may be needed.
Ultimately, there are many variables that come into play when choosing a suitable facility for a given circumstance. If your pediatrician is nearby, that may be your preferred destination any time your kids show symptoms of strep throat. Your pediatrician or primary care physician knows more about your family's medical history, which can help her identify long-term trends and make a more informed diagnosis