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Urgent Care Verses the Emergency Room

If you are experiencing a non-life threatening medical emergency and you require same day treatment, using an urgent care facility may save you substantial time and money while providing the same quality of care to that of an emergency room. Consider the following factors when you are deciding where to go for medical treatment.

1.    Cost of care. Because urgent care facilities treat a narrower range of medical needs, they have fewer equipment and maintenance requirements. With lower operational costs, they are able to offer the same services at a reduced price. Insurance companies are also more likely to cover a greater percentage of your urgent care visit, so not only will your initial bill be lower, you are likely to pay a smaller percentage out of pocket.

2.    Wait time. The average wait time for emergency room care extends into hours, while an urgent care wait is around fifteen minutes.

3.    Variety of care provided. The emergency room is prepared for any medical emergency from broken bones to a stroke. While this means those with less critical problems will wait and spend more on their care, those with the most critical needs will always be provided for in a way that may not be possible through urgent care.

If your life depends on receiving care right now, go straight to the emergency room. If you would feel comfortable having your primary doctor address your needs, save yourself a headache by using an urgent care location. For information on receiving urgent medical care in San Diego, click here.

Pediatric Health

You should pay careful attention to your child’s health. If a cold or fever appears to be developing, then take your child to a doctor to get efficient care.

Common Things to Go to Urgent Care for Instead of the Emergency Room

Many people are commonly treated in the emergency room if they do not have adequate insurance or a readily available primary care physician. Still other people may be confused as to what can be appropriately treated outside of the ER. Especially when a person is not used to being sick, it can be hard to determine what is an emergency and what is simply urgent.

Location is Key

Ease of access to locations is also a factor in ease of use. Luckily most areas have local urgent care facilities, whether they are separate locations or a part of a larger hospital.

Shorter Wait Times

Making use of urgent care means shorter wait times and it is possible to walk in just like in an ER. Many tests can be completed at an urgent care facility as well.

When is the ER Appropriate

The emergency room is intended for conditions which may threaten lives, such as heart attacks and other acute medical crises. It is possible to diagnose and treat less severe problems like sprained ankles, infections and other illnesses at an urgent care center.It is worth considering which type of facility to visit in case of illness.

For information on receiving urgent medical care in San Diego, click here.