What Are the Benefits of Urgent Care Versus the Emergency Room?
When an unexpected illness arises, you can’t always wait for a regularly scheduled appointment with your family doctor. Instead, you need medical care fast. Most patients consider two options, the emergency room or an urgent care clinic.
Urgent care clinics provide high-quality health care in a convenient setting. Urgent care facilities have experienced physicians who work alongside nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
When to Visit the Emergency Room
Some issues require immediate attention. For these emergency issues, patients should call 911 or visit the ER. For example, for a heart attack, serious accident, unconsciousness, extreme difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or any life-threatening situation, seek help immediately!
For other illnesses or injuries but not emergencies, an urgent care facility may offer more affordable and convenient treatment. At Founders Family Medicine, we provide urgent care treatment by appointment. Our team of medical professionals is happy to speak with you about your best care options.
Treatment Options at Urgent Care
Urgent care typically offers same-day appointments to address non-emergency medical issues that need attention. Founders Family Medicine offers urgent care treatment for various medical conditions.
Our facility offers:
- Diagnostic testing
- Prescriptions for medications
- X-rays
- Lab tests
- Physical exams
Patients often visit our urgent care office to address common but serious issues that need attention.
- Strep throat
- Ear pain
- Pink eye
- Bladder infections and UTI
- Sports injuries and accidents requiring x-rays
- Pediatric illnesses
- Common colds
- Allergies
- Fevers
- Sinus problems
- Respiratory tract infections
- Cuts or lacerations
- Sprains and strains
Urgent care treats a wide range of issues with professional and expert care.
Benefits of Urgent Care
Emergency room visits cost more and take longer than urgent care. Patients typically pay lower insurance copays when they use urgent care services. Plus, you don’t have to worry about waiting around for hours before seeing a provider.
Urgent care facilities also allow you to get a quick diagnosis without leaving home. Founders Family Medicine offers telehealth visits if applicable.
- Lower cost compared to the ER
- Shorter wait times for service
- Same-day appointments available
- Convenient location
- Telemedicine option available
- Quality care with accurate diagnosis
- Personal attention from a caring staff
If you think urgent care is right for you, contact Founders Family Medicine in Castle Rock. We understand how important it is to receive respectful and compassionate treatment.
How to Choose Between an Urgent Care Clinic vs. the Emergency Room
If you’re considering visiting an urgent care clinic instead of the ER, here are some things to keep in mind:
- What is the health issue?
- Do you need immediate medical assistance, and should you call 911?
- Where are you currently located?
- Would you prefer a telehealth appointment instead of an office visit?
- Can you afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with emergency room visits?
If you are in an emergency or life-threatening situation, seek help immediately. However, if you are dealing with an injury or illness that isn’t an emergency, urgent care can likely meet your needs without the cost or wait of an ER visit.
Compassionate and Convenient Care
Urgent care offers an effective and convenient solution for many patients with common illnesses or injuries. At Founders Family Medicine, our experienced team treats each patient with individual attention and respect. We strive to provide the highest quality of care for improved health and wellness.
If you need urgent care treatment, contact us to schedule an appointment.
