Executive Chronicles | Going to Urgent Car – The Do’s and Don’ts | It can be hard to keep a clear head during medical emergencies, especially when you’re in pain or feeling very unwell. Because of that, it’s a good idea to make a plan in advance as to which center you’ll attend in an emergency.
With more and more Americans going to urgent care rather than the emergency room, you might be wondering when to choose urgent care. Read on to find out our do’s and don’ts of going to urgent care.
Do Check In Online Where Possible
One of the main advantages of urgent care is the convenient location. Often, these clinics are located within a mall or as part of a pharmacy, making them an easy way to access care.
But when considering urgent care vs. the emergency room, bear in mind that you might still have to wait to be seen at an urgent care clinic. Many are drop-in centers where you can’t make appointments, but if you check in online, this can help to prepare the clinic for your arrival and make things run more smoothly once you’re there.
Don’t Forget to Bring Your Paperwork
Urgent care centers won’t hold as much information about you as your regular doctor’s office. So you should make sure that you bring as much relevant documentation with you as possible. This should include the names of all the prescription medications that you are currently taking.
It’s a good idea to have a list of any relevant medical conditions or diagnoses to hand too. You should have this for both yourself and any children. Most clinics will also ask for photographic ID.
It’s really important to bring your health insurance information too. You might want to check in advance that your insurance covers these types of visits before you go.
Do Be Prepared That You Might Not See a Doctor
Don’t be surprised if you see a healthcare professional who isn’t a doctor. Most of these centers have some doctors available, but most likely, they will see the most complex or seriously ill patients. You may see a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant instead.
There are some services available that provide 24 hour urgent care in your own home. This might give you additional peace of mind if you want to guarantee being seen by a doctor.
Don’t Go to Urgent Care When You Should Go to the ER
Urgent care centers are meant to treat minor illnesses and injuries. You should go to urgent care with things like urinary tract infections, strep throat, minor allergic reactions, or burns.
For life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, bleeding that won’t stop, unconsciousness, or severe dizziness, you should go straight to the emergency room.
Knowing when to go to or when to choose ER vs. urgent care could be a life-saving decision.
Know What to Do When Going to Urgent Care
In many scenarios, going there that you know the answer to the question, “what is urgent care,” you’ll be able to make that decision when the time comes.
For more health and wellness articles to keep you and your family healthy, make sure you explore the rest of the blog.
