Far too often, people will head to the emergency room for treatment because they need medical care from a primary care physician without having to wait for an appointment. Meanwhile, there are clinics with physicians readily available for this exact level of immediate attention. Urgent care clinics not only have shorter wait times—averaging around 20 minutes per patient—but their care is often cheaper than heading to the ER. Below are some common non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that physicians can treat at urgent care.

Common Illnesses Treated at Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics provide the same treatment you would get from your primary care doctor. Most problems that are treated at one are not life-threatening and will go away with prescribed medication like antibiotics. Some illnesses that urgent care doctors treat are:

• Common Cold
• Influenza (Flu)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Allergies
• Ear Infections
• Pink Eye
• Head Lice

If you’re unsure of what you have, relay your symptoms to the physician, and they’ll work out a solution.

Common Injuries Treated at Urgent Care

Sprained Ankles, Knees, and Shoulders

Minor injuries caused by falls or accidents can avoid the emergency room with the assistance of an urgent care clinic. Their facilities will typically have x-rays to confirm if you have any broken bones. In conjunction with their findings, they’ll analyze the injured limb for swelling and discoloration to form a diagnosis. They will also provide a sling, boot, or brace to restrict movement, and crutches for mobility if need be.

For more severe injuries, like fully broken bones, predicted muscle tears, or severe sprains, urgent care doctors will likely refer you to a specialist for further diagnostics and treatment. With minor fractures or sprains, though, they will prescribe a period to restrict activity, bandage you up, and suggest that you take further action for if the injury does not improve.

Minor Burns, Cuts, and Lacerations

Urgent care clinics are prepared to treat injuries from minor accidents, such as burns you receive by accidentally touching a hot surface. The key word with these injuries is “minor.” Doctors can give you stitches for a cut if they deem it necessary, but an extensive open wound will require the assistance of an emergency room. Use your discretion based on the severity of your injury to determine if an ER visit is necessary.

When to Go to the ER

While symptoms like swollen glands, rashes, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, and general pain or swelling can be treated at an urgent care clinic, if you’re concerned it might be life-threatening, go to an emergency room. These are some symptoms immediately warrant a hospital visit:

• Severe chest pain
• Head injuries
• Broken bones or extreme pain from a fall or accident
• Severe cold or flu symptoms
• Deep cuts that will definitely require stitches
• Seizures

In general, trust your gut—rely on whether or not you think your pain or illness is a real emergency. If, for example, you’re in such intense pain that you don’t think you can drive yourself to get medical assistance, that should be a clear sign that a trip to the ER is necessary.

Urgent care is a critical component of a town’s medical community. In Albany, NY, residents depend on Urgent & Primary Care to deal with minor illnesses and injuries when they can’t wait to see a doctor. This father-daughter team of doctors offers expert internal medical care for their patients in need of immediate treatment. Whether you have a sprained ankle or a chronic medical issue, they will provide the treatment and support to get you better. For more information about their full range of medical services, call (518) 463-8262 or visit them online.