If you or a loved one are experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or slurred speech, it’s essential to call 911 immediately. After evaluating the situation, first responders will likely rush you or your relative to the emergency room for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. What if you have an injury or illness that does not require emergency care but should still be treated quickly? In such a scenario, your best option would be visiting an urgent care center. Here are the answers to just a few of the most frequently asked questions on these walk-in clinics.

All About Urgent Care

What Kinds of Conditions Might Require Urgent Care?

Walk-in clinics treat patients whose lives are not in immediate danger, while emergency departments treat those who face potentially fatal complications. For example, a gunshot wound or heart attack warrants a trip to the emergency room, but an urgent care center can treat or stabilize patients suffering from infections, burns, bites, minor lacerations, sprains, strains, allergic reactions, and broken bones. 

Can You Bring Kids to an Urgent Care Center?

Walk-in clinics that provide comprehensive care should be equipped to treat patients of all ages. This includes children. If you have an infant or toddler who gets hurt during normal business hours, it’s wise to call the pediatrician first because he or she knows your child’s medical history. If it happens to be an evening or weekend, though, you can turn to an urgent care center for help.  

Do Urgent Care Centers Accept Insurance?

Most walk-in clinics accept various health insurance plans, including Medicare. Since the precise specifications vary by clinic, it’s wise to find a practice that accepts your plan before an emergency arises. That way, if you ever need immediate medical care, you know where to go. Fortunately, a visit to the urgent care center will almost always be more affordable than going to the emergency room. 

Can Urgent Care Replace Primary Care?

Although some people only seek medical care after sustaining a serious injury or experiencing troubling systems, urgent care should not replace primary care. You can visit a walk-in clinic if your primary care physician is not available, but it is still important to see your regular doctor periodically for annual physicals and other preventive care.

If someone in your family needs urgent care in Baldwin County, AL, head to Robertsdale Urgent Care. Led by health care provider Amy Younce, this walk-in clinic offers everything from flu shots to pregnancy tests. Visit their website to explore all the services they provide, or call (251) 947-3591 to learn more.