Urgent care clinics are the necessary in-between to keep people safe from minor to moderate injuries and minor to moderate illnesses. Studies have shown that a significant portion of emergency room visits could have been taken to urgent care clinics instead, reducing the rate of emergency room calls as well as saving each patient hundreds of dollars on average. But what conditions are often brought to the rooms of multicare doctors?
Over three million patients visit urgent care centers on a weekly basics according to studies provided by the Urgent Care Association. The most common diagnosis in an urgent care center, by far, is the upper respiratory condition. Back in 2012 the most common procedure was wound repair. These aren’t the only illnesses and injuries that see routine care, however, and it’s important to know who to turn to when you or your family needs assistance.
Ongoing reports have estimated that as many as 25,000 Americans suffer from an ankle sprain on a daily basis. Americans will also get a collective one billion colds every year as well as see 20% of the population coming down with the flu. Another 80% of American adults and children alike are allergic to poison ivy and poison oak. Urinary tract infections are rather common and see over eight million visits to the doctor per year. What can you do to both use your healthcare to your advantage while using preventative measures?
There are small steps you can take on a regular basis to stay healthy. Urinary tract infections can be easily avoided through the practice of safe sex. Additionally, drinking enough water per day and wearing clean underwear can promote good genital hygiene. It’s important to get your flu shot every year to reduce both your chances of becoming sick as well as to keep the surrounding population safe. Certain populations, such as those with immune disorders and the elderly, are at higher risk for long-term complications from catching the flu.
Urgent care clinics keep your health in order when you want to save money and still receive high-quality assistance with wounds, sprains and illnesses. There are over 20,000 physicians who practice urgent care medicine as we speak. Around 85% of urgent care centers are open throughout the week, though it’s important to double-check with your local establishments to make sure you’re not left scrambling for help when you need it most.
Instead of trying to balance the wait for a doctor’s visit or the medical expenses of an emergency room, check with your local Tacoma urgent care clinic.
