As far as healthcare providers go, general practitioners (GP), emergency rooms (ER), and urgent care centers (UCC) are the most common options for seeking medical attention. Each option has its own benefits, and the decision usually depends on the severity of the medical issue at hand.

Despite many people wondering what an urgent care center is exactly, choosing that options is the best choice. In this article, we’ll compare the three options, outlining the differences between them, and then discuss why choosing an urgent care center is often the most beneficial choice.

What an Urgent Care Center Is and Isn’t.

A general practitioner, also known as a primary care physician, is someone who specializes in providing preventive and other subacute options for medical attention, making them the typical go-to for non-emergency medical care. General practitioners usually offer services such as routine check-ups, immunizations, preventive care, and physical exams.

Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are designed to treat life-threatening situations or cases that require immediate attention. From heart attacks to gunshot wounds, serious cases are treated in the ER. However, there are a few downsides to the emergency room – in addition to long wait times, there can be significant costs.

Finally, what an urgent care center is most commonly known for is a place that provides both routine care and treatment for minor emergencies that need to be taken care of promptly, but aren’t life-threatening.

Benefits of Choosing an Urgent Care Center.

Now that you know what an urgent care center is, it’s helpful to know why you should consider one. Urgent care centers offer several benefits that make them a great choice for minor health concerns and medical emergencies. Here are some of the top reasons why choosing an urgent care center might be the best option for you:

Lower cost.

Compared to the emergency room, urgent care is significantly less expensive for those without insurance, along with lower co-pays for those with insurance coverage. With the current state of healthcare in the United States, it's always a good idea to save as much money as possible on medical expenses, and urgent care can be an affordable option.

Shorter wait times.

When compared to emergency rooms, urgent care centers have considerably shorter wait times. The fact that these centers do not attend to life-threatening circumstances can expedite care, meaning patients can receive treatment more quickly.

Greater flexibility.

Most urgent care centers stay open until late evening hours and weekend hours, providing greater flexibility for those can’t afford to take time off work to see their GP during normal business hours.

Wide variety of services.

Urgent care centers offer a broad range of services beyond just routine care. Some centers can offer x-ray facilities, lab tests, and even prescription medications.

Qualified professionals.

Urgent care centers have staff that consists of experienced and licensed medical professionals that are capable of diagnosing and treating a vast array of medical conditions, from minor injuries to flu symptoms, and everything in between.

No appointment necessary.

Seeking treatment with your GP can sometimes be difficult due to the need to schedule an appointment in advance. Urgent care centers have the advantage of being walk-in clinics, which means you can access prompt care without needing to schedule an appointment.

Are You in Need of Medical Services?

If an urgent care center is what you need, then trust the team of medical experts at Tooele Valley Urgent Care. We are open late seven days a week, and we specialize in providing quick and reliable medical assistance for any concern. You can learn more about our services online, or contact us to speak to a professional today.