If you're experiencing an illness or injury and looking for health services in your area, you may have a choice between a walk-in clinic and an urgent care center. These two establishments have many similarities; in fact, some consider urgent care centers to be a type of walk-in clinic. To ensure you're going to the right place, here’s what you need to know.

Urgent Care Centers

An urgent care center is the next step down from an emergency room. This is where you go when your situation isn't life-threatening, but you do need immediate treatment from a healthcare professional. You may see a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant instead of a doctor, and they can provide skilled care to help you recover from burns, broken bones, and similar injuries. They often have X-ray equipment and other diagnostic tools on hand, but they don't have the same life-saving equipment as an ER.

Walk-In Clinics

The term "walk-in clinic" can be used generally to refer to any medical provider where you don't need to have an appointment to be seen by a doctor. This includes urgent care centers. However, more narrowly, it refers to an establishment with quick, affordable service where you can receive treatment for illnesses like a bad cold, earache, severe migraine, or rash. Walk-in clinics are ideal when you don't need immediate treatment but would like to be seen the same day. They often offer extended hours to accommodate your schedule.

For a quality walk-in clinic in Howell County, MO, visit Burton Creek Rural Clinic in West Plains. Their doctors, nurses, and assistants provide a full range of medical care, including mental health services. They believe in answering questions and keeping you informed about your treatment, and they work to build strong ties with the community. For questions, call (417) 256-2111 or find them on Facebook.