The 4 Most Common Urgent Care Misconceptions
Despite their many benefits, urgent care facilities are often overlooked or forgotten about when patients are in need of care. There are a series of myths and misconceptions surrounding their services, their doctors and their availability which can make consumers turn to other outlets when they need medical attention. But if a patient needs quick care and doesn’t require a hospital or emergency room visit, urgent care can be the perfect choice.
That’s why we’re debunking four of the most common urgent care misconceptions and showing you why they can be an ideal option:
MYTH #1: Urgent care providers aren’t as experienced as hospital staff
Patients might think they need to go to the emergency department to receive care from an experienced provider, but that’s not the case. The doctors, advanced practice providers and medical specialists at urgent care clinics have received the same background of education and training as those in hospitals, and are fully capable of treating many injuries and illnesses.
Although urgent care providers have extensive medical knowledge, a real emergency always requires specialized hospital care. If your condition is beyond the scope of urgent care, your provider will refer you to the hospital or emergency room.
MYTH #2: I can’t get a prescription at urgent care
Contrary to popular belief, urgent care providers are able to prescribe some medication (like antibiotics, antivirals, short-term pain medication, asthma and allergy medication, and more). There are, however, limits to the medication they can prescribe. Since long-term pain medication, narcotics, anti-anxiety medication and other prescriptions require close monitoring, a physician you see regularly will need to assist you with these medications rather than an urgent care provider.
MYTH #3: Urgent care centers don’t provide specialized or testing services
It’s a common misconception that patients have to go to the hospital if they need a test performed or some sort of specialized care. In reality, there are plenty of urgent care clinics that offer specialized services like women’s health care and/or pediatric care. Additionally, most urgent care facilities are equipped to conduct screening and testing services, including X-rays, EKGs and on-site laboratory testing.
MYTH #4: Urgent care centers are walk-in only
Urgent care clinics accept patients on a walk-in basis, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reserve your spot in advance. Some clinics like Covenant MedExpress even allow you to check in online before your visit so you can save time and avoid the wait altogether.
If you or a family member is in need of urgent care, make sure you’re getting extraordinary care. Find a Covenant MedExpress location near you and check in now.
Posted Date: 7/24/2017