Are you dealing with a medical issue, but unsure of whether or not it warrants a visit to an urgent care center? These days, it can be difficult to tell whether a medical problem is urgent, emergent, or no big deal.
If you do need to go to an urgent care facility, try googling “urgent care near me” and reading reviews of your local clinics. If you aren’t sure if an urgent care trip is the right choice for you, keep reading.
Let’s break down five medical problems that warrant a trip to an urgent care clinic. Keep in mind that these are not “medical emergency” level issues; they aren’t bad enough that you need to go to the emergency room.
1. Moderate Cuts or Gashes
You should always visit urgent care if you have a cut or gash that might require stitches. Even if you aren’t sure that a cut needs stitches, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you aren’t sure how dangerous a cut is, you can check out the CDC guidelines on urgent wound care.
2. Minor Broken Bones
You can go to an urgent care clinic with minor broken bone injuries. A minor broken bone is something like a fractured toe or finger.
Some broken bones are too serious to be treated at an urgent care center. These include compound fractures, skull fractures, and anything that prevents you from walking.
3. Sprains and Strains
For a sprained joint or a muscle strain, you should visit an urgent care center. These injuries usually only require a brace or sling, and possibly a prescription for a painkiller or muscle relaxer.
You can also go to an urgent care clinic for dislocation, flare-ups of back pain, and other moderately stressful muscle and joint issues.
4. Flu Symptoms
According to the folks at mednowurgentcare.net, urgent care centers are becoming the new neighborhood doctor’s offices. This means that you can visit them when you have symptoms or a viral infection such as a cold or flu.
Urgent care centers can help you with fever, nausea, vomiting, and other common flu-like symptoms.
5. Possible Infections
There are many common infections that warrant a visit to an urgent care center. Sinus infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections can all be treated at an urgent care center.
You should also visit an urgent care center if you have a wound, surgical incision, tattoo, or body piercing that you believe is infected.
Visit an Urgent Care Center for Pressing Medical Issues
If you are dealing with any of these five things, you should visit an urgent care center in your area. If possible, you should read reviews and ask for recommendations for the best urgent care clinic near you.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical issue, you should always go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
For more health tips, check out the rest of our blog!
