What Types of Conditions Can Urgent Care Clinics Handle?

 

Should you pull it out or leave it in? Do you bandage it up or air it out? Is it an allergy or an infection? You have probably experienced one of these scenarios at least a time or two. If you are like most people, your thoughts quickly hone in on getting to an emergency room, especially after an accident involving a child. It is important to remember, however, that not all situations warrant a pricey ER visit. There are quality urgent care clinics staffed with experienced professionals who are willing and able to handle a variety of common injuries and ailments.

 

Bites

Most animal and insect bites are not life-threatening, and cause nothing more than minor swelling or slight bleeding. Consider urgent care for those cases that do require immediate medical attention. These facilities are stocked with the necessary equipment to properly clean and suture. They can administer antibiotics and even get in touch with animal control, should there be any concern about rabies.

 

Cough, Cold, Fever, and Flu

Coughing, a sore throat, and fevering are all side effects of hundreds of different conditions; however, most common cold and flu symptoms can be addressed with an urgent care professional. Your attendant will diagnose the symptom and prescribe any advised medication.

 

Sprains and Breaks

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to visit the ER for the average broken bone. While breaks and sprains do require immediate care, you can have the injury treated at an urgent care facility for a fraction of the cost of an ER. They handle setting, casting, and pain medicine.

 

Minor Burns

Who hasn’t touched a hot stove or singed some skin while trying to light a new grill? While major burn injuries should be addressed at ER trauma centers, most minor burns can be treated at a clinic with appropriate bandages, creams, and expert knowledge.

 

Minor Allergies

Urgent care is also the place to go during those irritating allergy seasons. Here you can obtain decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops, and other necessary treatments. Moreover, urgent care doctors are familiar with common allergies and may find that your skin aliment is nothing more than a simple rash.

 

Ear Infections

Does your child constantly complain about ear pain? If you are parent, you may be all too familiar with those pesky ear infections. Again, most are not serious and can be treated at your local urgent care clinic. This reduces your cost for repeat visits, and you receive quality treatment each and every time.

 

For stroke, serious bleeding, chest and abdominal pain, and severe trauma, you should get to a hospital. However, the next time you suffer a non-serious injury, definitely consider the benefits of going to an urgent care clinic.