With the growing popularity of urgent care centers, many at least know they exist, but they haven’t actually looked into them. The truth is, there are numerous advantages to choosing one of these centers during your next emergency or illness.
Flexible Hours
About 48% of those seeking emergency room medical care didn’t actually need to be admitted to the hospital, but went because their regular doctors office was closed, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Less Wait Time
Urgent care facilities are known for their prompt care. This is evidenced by the fact that most (60%) of patients wait less than 15 minutes to be admitted. In addition, about 80% of all visits are completed within an hour of arrival. At an ER, you will likely wait hours just to be admitted, let alone treated.
Cost Effective
Another thing these centers are known for is their cost effectiveness. You will receive expert care at just a fraction of what you would pay if you went to the ER. The ER can often cost hundreds of dollars for basic treatments, but these facilities will help you save money for larger issues.
Great Treatment
Roughly 65% of urgent cares have a physician on-site at all times, meaning they can provide expert care whenever you need to come in. Many centers are able to provide fracture care, in addition to hundreds of other treatments. They can also perform physicals, STD testing, hazmat screenings, and give flu shots.
Have you been to any urgent care centers? What was your experience like? Would you recommend it to a friend? We’d love to hear your thoughts!