An estimated 3 million Americans visit an urgent care center each week. In the United States, there are approximately 6800 urgent care centers, with most of these centers located in freestanding buildings. Urgent care centers typically provide medical services for conditions that require rapid attention, but are not quite serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. Because most urgent care facilities operate on a walk-in basis, the centers are gaining in popularity. Urgent care facilities generally have shorter waiting times than emergency rooms and at the same time, have more convenient hours than most physician offices. Some immediate care centers provide urgent care open 24 hours. As only 29% of primary care doctors offer after-hours coverage, many people chose to visit an urgent care facility when they require rapid attention during these hours.
The typical visit to an urgent care center is for evaluation and treatment of various injuries and illnesses not serious enough for someone to need to visit the ER. Many urgent care centers will provide confidential STD testing, as well. Unlike other walk in medical clinics such as retail clinics or STD testing cites, urgent care centers typically feature a staff of at least one physician who is supported by nurses, physician assistants and medical assistants. 65 percent of urgent care centers have at least one physician on-site at all times.
An estimated 3 million patients visit an urgent care each week in the United States. No health insurance? Urgent care centers typically cost much less than a visit to the emergency room. However, these care centers will also accept healthcare coverage if you have it. If you have an illness or injury that you need to be treated or evaluated or are in need of an STD test for men or women, an urgent care facility is a smart, convenient solution that will save you time and money. Continue reading here.