Illnesses may occur all of a sudden. When such situations take place, you are often confused about where to go for care, especially if the symptoms are severe.
Although the answer is not simple, it is important to understand the difference between walk-in clinics, urgent care clinics, and emergency rooms. Before going to any of the clinics make sure you gather all the information about them.
The differentiation between walk-in clinics, urgent care, and the emergency room
There is a difference between urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics. Walk-in clinics are clinics that are situated in pharmacies or retail stores. These clinics offer fast and convenient access. An appointment is not mandatory in these clinics. Walk-in clinics address illnesses like:
- Ear pain
- Eye redness
- A sore throat
- Painful Urination
- Rashes without fever
- Itchiness
Urgent Care Clinics: Any injury which does not seems to be life-threatening but also can’t wait until the next day should be treated at urgent care clinics. These clinics are same day clinics which handle a number of medical problems These problems need to be treated as soon as possible. Although these problems are not considered to be true emergencies. Urgent care doctors address illnesses like:
Small cuts which may need stitches
- Abdominal pain
- Sprains
- Shortness of breath
- Dehydration
- Fever without a rash
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
When to go to the ER
There are a lot of medical circumstances that are considered emergencies because they need fast treatments. And these treatments are only available in hospital settings.
Emergency rooms address illnesses like:
- Broken Bones
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Head injury
- Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
- Numbness
- Change in mental state
- Serious burns
- Dislocated joints
- Severe cold
- Poisoning
It is important for you to research about urgent care clinics, emergency rooms and walk-in clinics. Trust your gut. If your personal instinct says that the illness is serious, then make sure you visit a doctor. Do not hesitate.
Also, it is important to educate patients about all healthcare services. This will improve their choices, and also make sure that the right care is provided to them.
These are some of the facts about urgent care clinics, walk-in centers, and emergency rooms. If you are seeking for the best urgent care clinic in New York, then get in touch with Walk-In Clinic. It is one of the best clinics in Manhattan.
