When to Seek Help from an Urgent Care Clinic

Life’s bumps and bruises may not always warrant a trip to the emergency room, but they might require more care than can be provided with home remedies. That’s where an urgent care clinic can help. There are also a number of other things an urgent care clinic can help with beyond handling minor injuries or medical concerns. Some of the top reasons people will go to an urgent care clinic include the following. 

Management of Illnesses

When someone feels under the weather, Kaiser urgent care options may be able to help. Going to an urgent care allows the person to quickly see a doctor and get help with whatever is causing them to feel unwell. This includes medications as well as other advice that can help them feel better faster. With most minor illnesses, this may be all that’s needed to recover as quickly as possible. If recommended, though, it is a good idea for the person to follow up with their primary care physician if they aren’t feeling better in a few days to a week. 

Minor Injuries

Minor injuries like a sprained ankle or a hurt wrist can often be handled by a visit to an urgent care clinic. The staff will take a look at the injuries and help with what’s needed for the person to recover as quickly as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury, the person may need to see a specialist after the urgent care visit or follow up with their primary physician to make sure they are healing properly. The urgent care clinic, however, can provide the fast help needed when the injury occurs. 

Need Diagnostic Services

If someone isn’t feeling well and needs diagnostic testing, the urgent care clinic can handle it for them. They have the ability to do X-rays and other lab tests to help the person determine what is wrong or why they aren’t feeling well. This can be easier and less expensive than having the help done through the emergency room, and it may be faster than going to see their primary physician. 

Preventative Care

Getting preventative care can help prevent more serious illnesses for many people. While much of the preventative healthcare people may receive is through the primary physician, urgent care clinics can provide it, too. This can often be a faster way to get vaccinations and other preventative care when it’s needed. 

Physical Exams

To participate in school sports and other activities, a physical may be needed. This is often also recommended for those who are starting a new diet or exercise regimen. Urgent care clinics regularly help with physical exams and can provide the paperwork necessary for the person to do the activity they’re interested in doing. This can be an inexpensive way to have the physical done without a long wait time to see a primary physician. 

If you need medical assistance, but can’t get in to see a primary care physician soon enough and don’t have an injury that requires emergency medical care, going to an urgent care clinic can be a good idea. There are also telehealth options for injuries and illnesses that don’t require an in-person visit. Learn more about the options today to find the right urgent care clinic for any of life’s little bumps and bruises.