When you exhibit symptoms indicating something’s wrong with your body, do you go to a walk-in clinic in Downtown West Palm Beach or head straight to the emergency room? Experiencing health issues outside office hours can be stressful because you don’t know what type of care you need. Knowing the difference between urgent and emergency care will help you determine the next step.
Urgent Care Versus Emergency Care
When Should You Go to Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a walk-in clinic that caters to patients with basic injuries and illnesses. It’s designed for convenience, where care is easily accessible. Furthermore, the waiting time is shorter and welcomes patients outside regular office hours. However, urgent care is only for non-emergency cases. Although it is equipped with diagnostic tests and medical supplies, the procedures are limited.
What Can Health Issues Be Treated at Urgent Care?
You can go to an urgent care facility if you experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Flu symptoms
- Cold symptoms (congestion, cough, headache)
- Minor injuries
- Ear infection
- Minor strains
- Minor sprains
- Sunburn
- Insect bites
- Animal bites
- Minor injuries
- Minor bone fractures
When Should You Go to an Emergency Room?
Health emergencies warrant a visit to the emergency room. Emergency rooms are open 24/7, which means they can accommodate you even on weekends and holidays. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make appointments and reservations.
Also, with the influx of emergency cases, the waiting time is typically longer compared to urgent care. The emergency department uses a triage system wherein treatments are assigned based on the urgency of the condition. Emergency staff will evaluate each patient coming in and determine who gets treated first based on their needs.
Cost-wise, emergency rooms charge more compared to urgent care clinics. In most cases, the issue is about the insurance coverage. Insurance companies can deny a claim and say that it wasn’t an emergency case. Urgent care clinics have copays available depending on the insurance network the clinic partners with.
What Health Issues Require a Trip to the Emergency Room?
You need to call 911 if you are experiencing the following life-threatening symptoms:
- Serious trauma
- Broken bones
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe vomiting that lasts for hours
- Poisoning
- Deep cuts and abrasions
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Severe burns
What’s the Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Care?
The differences between the two types of care are the severity of the cases they accept, wait times, cost, and opening hours. Patients with severe medical conditions will not be accepted at walk-in clinics and will likely be referred to an emergency room. Fortunately, emergency departments are always open.
There is a shorter wait time at urgent care clinics, and the cost is lower, with a greater chance of insurance coverage.
Looking for a Walk-In Clinic in Downtown West Palm Beach?
Learning the differences between urgent and emergency care can save your life! At MedForce Mobile, we strive to provide patients of all ages with access to superior, affordable care for acute illnesses and injuries that’s conveniently accessible. Our friendly staff will take care of you. Get in touch with us if you need urgent care.
