The hospital is often the first place most people go to seek medical treatment. Although its the top of mind choice, it isn’t necessarily one they are happy with. Packed emergency rooms, long lines for admissions, and high costs for care can compound the stress of sick or injured people looking to get medical attention.
In response to this, a new type of medical facility is gaining popularity as a means to address people’s serious but not life-threatening conditions. Urgent care centers aim to provide a better alternative to getting access to treatment for things like minor cuts that need stitches, sprained ankles, nosebleeds, or insect bites. Patients can either receive complete care for their condition or be assessed and referred for further evaluation with a specialized doctor or medical facility.
Urgent care facilities relieve some of the burdens on overloaded hospitals who have to prioritize treatment for emergent patients. While those who are also in pain--but whose conditions are not fatal--have to wait often hours or days before receiving care.
If you are a parent with young children, finding good urgent care for kids is a good way to prepare for eventual circumstances that you need medical attention but don’t want to bring your vulnerable children to big hospitals. Pediatric walk-in clinics are a great option for worrisome conditions that often happen outside of regular pediatric clinic hours. When looking for the right urgent care facility, here are the main points to consider:
Location
Going to an urgent care facility should be convenient. If you or your child suffers from minor broken bones or fractures that need immediate attention, you won’t want to drive an hour to a clinic when you can go to a hospital five minutes away. Urgent care should be a way for you to get to see a doctor or health care provider as soon as possible. It is also important if in case you need to return for follow-up visits. Be sure to check operating hours, are some clinics are open to receive patients 24/7, which can be a much better option than going to an emergency room in the middle of the night.
Doctor to patient ratio
One of the main reasons to opt for urgent over a hospital is so you can get treated without having to sit and wait for long periods in the facility. If you are feeling sick and feverish, sitting in a waiting room can be excruciating. Inquire about how many doctors are available to see patients and what the average wait times are. A lower ratio of patients to doctors means you can get more personalized care, and you won’t have to rush through your consultation so you can make the most out of your visit.
Insurance availability
Not all facilities accept the same insurance providers. Medical care is costly, even for non-emergency cases. If you have an insurance plan, you will want to make use of your coverage. Call ahead before paying a visit, or ask your provider for a list of facilities that are part of their network so you can narrow down your choices from there.
Affiliation with hospitals
Some urgent care providers are affiliates of larger hospital systems and have an effective referral system in place. It can be useful if your case needs to be referred to a different doctor or specialist. Networked providers mean fewer forms to fill-up, and possibly fewer tests as your medical records can be accessed easily from a common database.
Range of services
It can be useful to check the capabilities of an urgent care provider. Some specialize in orthopedic injuries, others have an endocrine specialty, and some are focused on pediatric care. Some are well-equipped to conduct tests and provide treatment on-site.
When it comes to looking for medical care, knowing your options and alternatives can reduce the stress of having to deal with illness and injuries, especially if you have young children. Identifying a facility that provides urgent care for children in your area can get your kids the treatment they need while saving you valuable time and money.
Are you looking for a pediatric walk-in clinic in Brantford? We provide top-quality healthcare for children and minors. With no appointment necessary, our team of specialists can help you get the care you and your child need.
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