There are several types of medical practices, differentiated by the type of care they provide. Illness and injury require quick, efficient treatment, so it is important to know where you can find it! Read on to learn more about the difference between Charleston urgent care centers and emergency rooms.
What Is Considered Urgent Care?
Urgent care centers are equipped to treat minor, non-life-threatening medical issues – from sprains to sore throats. They provide services like x-rays and lab work that are used to diagnose illnesses and injuries. Urgent care facilities can also treat patients who do not have a regular primary care physician or require care outside of their doctor’s business hours.
What Is Considered An Emergency Room?
For life-threatening medical concerns, visit an emergency room immediately. The medical staff there is equipped to provide life-saving measures for patients suffering from severe injuries or illnesses.
When Do I Go To Urgent Care vs Emergency Room (ER)?
If your condition is very serious and requires immediate medical attention, get to the emergency room as quickly as possible. However, if your life is not in danger but you cannot delay treatment, a Charleston urgent care practice is the place to go. Urgent care physicians can treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses, but are not prepared to provide life-saving emergency care. Think of an urgent care practice as the middle ground between the ER and your primary care doctor.
Common Injuries For Visiting An Urgent Care:
Your Charleston urgent care center can provide relief from:
- Accident/fall injuries
- Cuts requiring stitches (but without significant blood loss)
- Flu or fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Minor broken bones or fractures
- Sprains/strains
- Breathing difficulty
- Back issues
- Severe sore throat or cough
- Skin rashes
- Urinary tract infections
- Dehydration
Common Injuries For Visiting An Emergency Room (ER):
If you are experiencing any of the following, visit the emergency room:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Compound fracture
- Heart attack symptoms
- Stroke symptoms
- Serious stab or gunshot wound
- Moderate or severe burns
- Fever in newborn baby (under 3 months)
- Seizures or convulsions
- Poisoning
- Serious head, back or neck injury
- Pregnancy-related concerns
- Extreme abdominal pain
- Suicidal feelings
Things To Do Before Visiting Urgent Care Center
Before visiting a Charleston urgent care center, be sure to do the following:
- Check in online if possible.
Click here to reduce your time spent in the waiting room.
- Bring your ID.
Remember to bring picture identification with you to streamline the check-in process. - Know when to go.
Try to avoid the practice’s peak times, like evenings and weekends.
Benefits of Urgent Care vs Emergency Room
For non-life-threatening medical conditions, your local urgent care is often a great alternative to the emergency room. Here are a few things to consider:
- 90% of urgent care patients wait less than 30 minutes and 84% are in and out within an hour.
- Urgent care is much more affordable and offers flexible financing options for patients without insurance.
- Urgent care practices welcome walk-ins.
- Many urgent care facilities are in-network with major insurance providers.
- Urgent care practices are often centrally located and easy to get to.
How To Find A Good Urgent Care Near Me in Charleston?
Looking for high-quality, low-cost urgent care close to home? NasonCare can help! Our urgent care physicians utilize the latest technology to provide top-notch diagnoses and treatment. Plus, there’s no referral needed!
We accept most major insurances, but welcome uninsured patients as well. Get the urgent care services you need – from 8am to 8pm, every day of the week! NasonCare is conveniently located near the Northwoods Mall in North Charleston, SC, so come see us today!
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