The Multiple Advantages of Visiting a Local Urgent Care Facility

Urgent care facilities provide more convenient, faster, and less expensive medical services than traditional hospital emergency rooms. Furthermore, since 50% of these centers are owned by an individual doctor or group of doctors, a wide range of medical evaluations and treatments can be provided.

Approximately 40% of urgent care centers have the ability to order prescriptions electronically. They also have computerized systems that enable them to view imaging and lab results. In addition, these facilities also collect and have access to patient information, such as demographics and clinical notes. In order to simplify the billing process, these centers also equipped to provide medical condition and procedure coding.

While advanced appointments aren’t required, clients may often schedule an appointment online. Most of these facilities have extended hours, which is another important benefit. Approximately 90.6% of these facilities, for example, are open until 7:00 p.m. or even later during weeknights. Two out of five of these facilities will remain open to see patients until 9:00 p.m. or even later. Other facilities may be open throughout the weekend as well, which is an added convenience.

The average waiting time to be seen by a physician or mid-level provider is usually 15 minutes or less. This is the case with about 60% of all urgent care locations. A survey conducted by The Urgent Care Association of America revealed that 57% of the patients waited for 15 minutes or less. The survey also showed that when the total amount of visits were taken into consideration, 80% of these appointments were for an hour or less. It’s also important to note that 65% of these facilities always have a physician available at their site.

There are a variety of illnesses and injuries that can be treated by physicians and mid-level providers at walk-in urgent care clinics. Tests can be run for a variety of infections, such as ear infections, sinus infections, and strep throat. There are other laboratory services available as well. If someone is dehydrated or is experiencing another medical issue that requires intravenous fluids, these can be provided at 70% of the currently existing urgent care centers.

When someone isn’t sure whether or not they, or someone else in their family, needs to be seen by a doctor, it’s a good idea to visit a local urgent care facility for an evaluation. This may be particularly important when someone is coming down with the flu or when other viral outbreaks are a concern. Since these facilities have physicians on staff, extended hours, shorter waiting times, and cost less than traditional hospital emergency rooms, they are a welcome option.