Breaks, Cuts, and Infections: Urgent Care as an Alternative to the ER

Wait times are generally short even though appointments cannot be booked in advance. If you’re able to get there early, you may only have to sit and flip through old magazines for five minutes before you’re in the office getting diagnosed by a qualified physician for a pittance compared to that of an ER visit.

Breaks
Not all bone breaks and fractures are an emergency. Reasons to seek immediate medical attention would include bleeding and broke skin, visible bone, or if it appears the bone may be broken in multiple areas. For a small, simpler break or fracture that is a more manageable area (such as a finger) can be easily dealt with at an urgent care facility. It is important to keep the broken area as still as possible and monitor the patient for any dangerous signs such as bleeding, fever, or sudden increased pain.

Infections
Common infections, such as mono, strep throat, urinary tract problems, and ear aches can all be addressed at an urgent care center. These types of illnesses are non-life threatening and can be treated with a dose of antibiotics. While they would not be considered emergencies, they can be painful and if left untreated, can result in more serious complications that will require a rush visit to a hospital. If you do find yourself or child suffering from a common infection, it is always better to seek assistance as soon as possible, but as long as it has be detected early waiting until the next facility is open won’t be harmful.

Cuts
A deep laceration that bleeds profusely can be alarming, but in most cases they are not deadly. If you receive a deep cut and are having difficulty staunching the blood flow, skin has been ripped away, or the edges of the wound are far apart, it is time to seek professional help.

Urgent care facilities can stitch most wounds as long as the bleeding is not too heavy or any major arteries or veins have been severed. If you see bone, have a large amount of debris that has lodged inside of the area, or have other more serious symptoms such as paleness of pallor, weakness, or fainting, then go to the ER.

Facilities are required to run regular hours, generally seven days a week, from the morning till early evening. Some areas also operate after hours care centers that run all night. All are required to have a licensed physician on duty at all times and prescriptions can be prescribed as needed. Most accept all insurance plans as well as cash (but not always credit) so it is important to call and check ahead of time to ensure your payment will be accepted.