Three Benefits of Urgent Care

Did you know that urgent care facilities account for approximately $14 billion in annual revenue in the United States? Urgent care centers have gained popularity because they are viable alternatives to the emergency room. In fact, nearly 20% of all hospital ER visits can actually be treated at urgent care. Since urgent care can help prevent ER crowding, there are several benefits of visiting urgent care providers.

1. Variety of treatment. Urgent care facilities are equipped to treat a wide variety of minor medical conditions. Sprains, strains, broken bones, lacerations, burns, upper respiratory illnesses, and concussions, for example, can all be treated at an urgent care facility. Since these centers offer urgent medical care, they are a helpful way to quickly treat minor conditions.

2. Short wait times. Since local urgent care providers operate on a walk-in basis, many patients experience short wait times. In fact, 57% of patients wait 15 minutes or less to be seen, and 80% of all visits are completed in 60 minutes or less. As a result, urgent care is often more convenient than visiting the emergency room.

3. Professional staff. Urgent care centers employ a staff of highly-trained medical professionals. For example, 65% of urgent care facilities have at least one physician on site at all times, and approximately 67% of urgent care centers employ a mix of nurse practitioners, physicians, and physicians assistants. Additionally, the Urgent Care Association of America created the Certified Urgent Care Center designation in 2009, which is a title given to urgent care facilities that meet several strict healthcare criteria.

Urgent care is beneficial in a variety of ways. Not only do urgent care providers offer a variety of treatment and short wait times, but they also employ a professional staff, as well. As a result, urgent care has become a viable alternative to the emergency room. More information like this.