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A trip to the emergency room is always stressful. People are uncomfortable, the wait can get long, and there are often unforeseen costs to deal with at the end of it all. Luckily the United States health care system has seen an increase in urgent care centers, giving patients a practical alternative. Find out when this is an appropriate option over a hospital—and when it isn’t.

What Is the Purpose of Urgent Care?

Since emergency rooms prioritize the most dangerous cases, patients who aren’t facing a life-threatening situation usually end up waiting the longest. Urgent care centers aim to treat these individuals more efficiently. They cater largely to walk-ins and don’t require appointments.

Urgent care centers stay open beyond the regular business hours of primary care physicians. In contrast to doctor’s offices, they have more cutting-edge equipment on site. Instead of seeing your general practitioner about a fracture and receiving a referral for X-rays, for instance, you can get them done right away.

When is Urgent Care an Option?

urgent careUrgent care is perfect in the case of back pain, minor fractures, headaches, cuts, sprains, and flu-like symptoms including nausea, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s not just for when you’re feeling poorly, however. You can also report to these medical centers for vaccinations and lab services like blood work. 

Urgent care isn’t for everything. If you are experiencing severe bleeding, chest pain, seizures, or signs of a stroke like slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body, head to the emergency room. Cases of head trauma, broken or dislocated bones, and serious burns should also be checked at a hospital. 

 

If you need urgent care in the Bronx, NY, HDR Healthcare Network is there for you. Serving kids to adults, this family medicine provider is driven by a desire to give all patients the care they deserve at prices they can afford. Their friendly doctors cover an array of specialties, from pediatrics to cardiology. They also have Spanish-speaking staff. Find out more about how they operate online. If you have questions about their services, call (929) 256-5005.

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