Urgent care centers find necessary treatment for minor health concerns or injuries. They are convenient, accessible, and affordable alternatives to emergency rooms. These care centers only treat non-life-threatening health problems like injuries, minor burns, and fractures. Read on to know more about urgent health care services.

Urgent care service centers provide the following services and treatments.

• Minor injuries: Urgent care centers treat minor burns, fractures, sprains, and other non-critical injuries.
• Vaccinations: Vaccines such as the flu shot, allergy vaccines, and region-specific vaccines are available at these centers. Minor vaccinations may not need an appointment.
• Fitness exams: Both adults and children can schedule fitness exams here under the supervision of medical professionals. They also conduct fitness exams required for schools here.
• Non-life-threatening diseases: These clinics treat uncomplicated health problems like flu, cold, and fever. They do not possess the equipment or expertise to treat serious illnesses.
• STD testing: One can test for STDs and STIs at urgent care centers. These clinics are open all week round, some even post 7 pm, making it easier to schedule these tests.
• X-ray services: X-rays, image testing, and laboratory testing services are available at most urgent care service centers.

Read on to know the advantages of urgent care centers.

• Cheaper: Urgent care centers are reasonably priced. A visit to the ER costs twice as much as a visit to an urgent care center. The cost of a single visit will range anywhere between $100 to $200.
• Flexible hours: An urgent care center is usually open throughout the week. They open early in the morning and remain so until late evening.
• Shorter wait time: Your doctor’s office could be closed or fully-booked, leaving you without medical assistance for days. However, the average wait time at an urgent care center is generally lesser than that at the ER. This ensures prompt medical assistance.
• No appointment required: These centers operate on a walk-in basis, eliminating the need to make an appointment. You can visit the center in case of an emergency.

The disadvantages of urgent care centers are as follows.

• Different professionals: As there are many physicians at the center, one may be examined by a different physician every time. This physician may not be aware of one’s medical history.
• No record files: The center does not track or store files containing one’s medical history. This can be a hindrance in the future and following health checkups.
• No treatment for life-threatening conditions: Urgent care centers are not equipped with the resources necessary to treat serious illnesses. One should visit an ER to treat serious ailments.

Top five urgent care service centers

• American Family Care (AFC): AFC center provides high-quality treatment and is open all week round. They ensure the least possible waiting time and work with most insurance plans.
• City MD: City MD offers health services such as pediatric care, women’s care, and virtual care. They have over 135 centers and are open throughout the year. They accept most insurance plans, including Medicare plans.
• Concentra: Concentra provides care and treatment for an array of non-threatening health conditions. They offer reasonable prices and flexible hours at many of their centers. One does not need to set an appointment prior to visiting a center.
• Fast Med: Fast Med provides its patients with immediate care all year round. They operate more than 100 clinics around the country and provide treatments for the smallest health problems.
• MedPost: Medpost provides the best care and functions throughout the year. They have more than 90 centers around the country and work with most insurance plans. They have both walk-in and online appointment systems.