What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a type of medical service that provides immediate, non-emergency care for illnesses and injuries that require prompt attention but are not severe enough for the emergency room (ER). Urgent care is typically more affordable and quicker than visiting the ER for non-life-threatening conditions.
What are the Common Urgent Care Services Offered?
- Illness Treatment – Flu, colds, strep throat, sinus infections, bronchitis, ear infections
- Injury Care – Sprains, strains, minor fractures, burns, cuts requiring stitches
- Diagnostic Services – X-rays, lab testing (blood tests, strep tests, COVID-19 testing, urinalysis)
- Physical Exams – Fitness for Duty Evaluations, Sports Physicals
- Vaccinations & Immunisations – Flu shots, tetanus, travel vaccines
- IV Fluids & Medications – For dehydration, pain management
- Minor Procedures – Abscess drainage, wound care, removal of foreign objects
- Occupational Health Services – Drug testing, work-related injury treatment
How Does Urgent Care Differ from the Emergency Room?
Both provide immediate medical attention, but they differ in the severity of conditions they treat, cost, wait times, and available resources. Urgent care is designed for non-life-threatening conditions such as minor injuries, infections, and mild illnesses, offering shorter wait times and lower costs compared to the ER. Emergency rooms, on the other hand, handle life-threatening and severe conditions like heart attacks, strokes, major trauma, and severe breathing difficulties, with access to advanced imaging, surgery, and intensive care. While urgent care clinics are typically staffed by general physicians and offer services like X-rays, lab tests, and minor procedures, ERs have specialised doctors and surgeons equipped for critical cases.
Additionally, wait times can be significantly longer at Emergency Rooms as patients with more severe conditions are prioritised.
Is an Appointment Necessary for Urgent Care?
No, an appointment is not typically necessary to recieve urgent care. We operate on a walk-in basis, allowing patients to receive medical attention without scheduling in advance. This makes it a convenient option for sudden illnesses or minor injuries that require prompt care.
Benefits of Urgent Care at a Private Facility
Receiving urgent care at our facility has several benefits, making it a convenient and accessible healthcare option. These benefits include:
- Convenient access
- Shorter wait times
- Wide range of services
- No appointment necessary
- Qualified medical staff