Urgent care centers are same-day clinics that can handle a variety of medical problems that need to be treated right away, but are not considered true emergencies. Urgent care centers are ideal for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses that require prompt medical attention, but do not require a visit to the emergency room. Some examples of conditions that can be treated at an urgent care center include:
- Minor injuries and cuts
- Sore throats and earaches
- Allergic reactions
- Insect bites
- Sinusitis
- Vaginitis
- Fever
- Frequent or severe coughs
- Frequent urination or a burning sensation when urinating
If you are experiencing a life-threatening injury or condition, such as a heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding, major broken bones, or difficulty breathing, you should go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately. Urgent care centers are not equipped to handle these types of emergencies. It is important to note that if you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency or not, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go to the emergency room.
