Dealing with medical emergencies can be extremely stressful, not to mention painful. If you are experiencing any unexpected pain, it’s important that you know exactly what to do, who to talk to, and where to go. Urgent care facilities are great for providing emergency services in the event of a serious medical situation.
Rather than going to the emergency room, which can be good for some medical problems but not all, urgent care facilitiesare a much better option for people experiencing severe pain that might not be life threatening.
“Many people use the ER [emergency room] as a place to receive after-hours care for minor illnesses or injuries without realizing they have another option,” said Shawn Evans, MD, emergency medicine physician. “If your sudden illness or injury is something you would normally feel comfortable addressing with your primary care doctor, then an urgent care setting is probably more appropriate than the emergency room.”
Not only will you likely wait longer in the emergency room, but you will almost certainly pay far, far more in medical bills. If you ever find yourself experiencing these painful medical situations, then consider seeking urgent medical care right away.
Physical trauma
Every day in the U.S., roughly 25,000 Americans suffer from ankle sprains. These trauma issues can happen to anyone at anytime, and if you are injured in any way, consider getting professional medical attention. In addition to sprained ankles, this could include minor to moderate burns, broken bones and fractures, and lacerations.
Sore throat and ear pain
Minor sore throat and ear pain happens sometimes, and it shouldn’t be too much of a cause of concern. If you’ve been experiencing severe pain in your ear or throat for a few days in a row, that can mean there is something wrong with you. You may have developed an ear or sinus infection, which will only become more painful with time. It can’t hurt to consult with your doctor or medical professional — so get to a urgent healthcare center right away.
Fever
If you begin to experience fever like symptoms, you shouldn’t try to ride it out and ignore it. Serious and prolonged fevers can lead to even more dangerous medical issues, so you should consult with a medical professional right away. Especially if you have a rash along with a fever, you should visit an urgent care clinic center and get the necessary medical attention. If your providers believe you do have a life threatening illness, they can quickly arrange transport to a nearby hospital.
Whether you need a flu shot for your two-year-old baby or one for your 80-year-old grandfather, family urgent care clinics should be your first choice. But when it comes to more urgent, and painful, medical conditions, you should never try to wait it out. If you’re in need of medical attention, consider visiting urgent care centers near you right away.