Connecticut’s COVID-19 Stats: What the Trends Tell You

Covid-19 Trend

Living in the digital age gives you front-seat access to any information, especially with the country’s current state of economy and health. Of course, this has been especially useful in the post-pandemic era as hospitals and emergency rooms struggle to keep up with the demand of an increasingly sick population.

In Connecticut alone, the state’s COVID-19 response has adopted new techniques to help track and minimize the chains of transmission. Moreover, several media and healthcare outlets have developed a powerful online presence that provides credible updates and relevant information to citizens. This includes up-to-the-minute details on walk-in clinics, vaccination schedules, and other healthcare events.

COVID-19 Cases in Connecticut

Since its outbreak, Connecticut has reported 812,283 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 16,283 for the Delta variant, 11,598 for the Omicron variant, and 2,255 for the Alpha variant. Moreover, according to the state’s 7-day positivity data reported, there have been 4,547 new cases of individuals who have tested positive over the past week, a 7.6% increase from the previous record. In addition, at least 35% of the total weekly cases have not been fully vaccinated yet, prompting health officials to issue an urgent warning to the public.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unvaccinated individuals are more likely to get infected, hospitalized, or even die from the virus. Thus, if you are experiencing severe COVID-like signs, you should immediately visit a nearby walk-in clinic and other healthcare providers for tests and appropriate treatment options.

Vaccination and Immunization in Connecticut

Despite the recent increase in COVID cases, Connecticut’s new data for April shows it has reached the highest level of immunity since the initial rollout. With 95% of the state’s residents getting at least one dose and the total number of fully vaccinated individuals reaching 78.9%, the state is on track to achieve herd immunity.

But to do this, the state needs to start administering COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens, except booster shots for those who belong to the younger age group. Studies have shown that children and teens are at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease due to their immune systems not fully developing yet.

Vaccinating Children and Teens in Connecticut for COVID-19

Vaccination rates are a critical part of the state’s health care ecosystem. Thus, the recent spike in COVID-19-reported cases in the state of Connecticut has caused officials to issue a statewide public health emergency. 

This also prompted schools to beef up their preventative measures and enforce policies to help educate students on protecting themselves against the virus. This includes reinstating mask mandates, proper handwashing, and receiving vaccination shots for children five years and older.

Moreover, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDOH) has been working closely with local health departments to ensure that all school-aged children are vaccinated against this deadly virus as quickly as possible. To assist in communicating these policies and procedures, CTDOH has created an online toolkit that contains information about what parents can do to keep their children safe as schools begin to open. 

This includes steps they can take at home, such as encouraging hand washing while reminding them not to send sick kids back into school or daycare if they feel ill or show symptoms of COVID.

If you have any questions regarding vaccine safety and what type of shots your child can get, don’t hesitate to check in with your pediatrician or contact your local walk-in clinics and facilities such as Docs Urgent Care.

COVID-19 Deaths and Variants

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted through direct person-to-person contact and exposure to contaminated droplets in the air. Although most people recover within a week without treatment, some may experience more severe signs such as difficulty breathing and chest pain. As of this writing, Connecticut has reported 17 new COVID-19-related deaths in April, bringing the total to 10,826 since the pandemic’s onset.

The recent COVID outbreak is also a cautionary tale of how the flu and other preventable diseases can spread quickly. Thus, if you are interested in getting your annual flu shot, call your local health department or visit Docs Urgent Care center for faster and more convenient service.

In Need of Vaccines and Boosters?

If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms and suspect you may have the disease, schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider immediately to discuss your concerns. Patients may also head on to the nearest hospital or on-site lab facilities within the state to complete the necessary steps. 

If you are worried about the cost and additional expenses, most community health posts in Connecticut and walk-in clinics like the Docs Urgent Care accept health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Conclusion

The health care system in the United States is in a state of transformation — and with a good reason! The pandemic paved the way for the widespread adoption of digital health records allowing value-based healthcare programs such as walk-in clinics and telehealth centers to expand and become more accessible and convenient. 

Additionally, these shifts have created opportunities for medical professionals, resulting in the rise of better, cost-effective services and delivery channels. Thus, it is in the best interest of patients to be proactive and seek out the services of medical professionals to help flatten the curb and alleviate the health care crisis in the country.

What’s Next? Urgent Care in the Post Pandemic Era

Woman Thinking & Taking Notes

Urgent care facilities have played a vital role in shaping the healthcare industry for decades. In the United States alone, the total number of walk-in clinic visits has increased by 58%, with more than half of these cases attributed to COVID-related issues, vaccination, and minor emergencies. 

However, as the need for these services increased, so did the demand for resources and staff. Unfortunately, some clinics couldn’t keep up and were forced to close their doors. However, this also helped transition urgent care facilities to improve their operations to ensure high-quality patient service.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Rooms

Urgent care clinics are walk-in facility that provides services to patients who need immediate medical attention but don’t require emergency care or hospitalization. They usually treat minor injuries and illnesses but can also provide more serious treatment if necessary. 

In addition, they offer quick and affordable assistance, which makes them more favorable for most people.

These centers are also staffed with trained medical assistants, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide more comprehensive services. 

However, they are not intended to replace a doctor’s office or an emergency room visit. In fact, patients who visit urgent care clinics are almost always encouraged to make follow-up appointments with their primary care doctor.

Perhaps the main difference between urgent care centers and emergency rooms is their approaches. For example, urgent care facilities tend to be more community-oriented, whereas emergency rooms focus on providing the best possible treatment for their patients. 

In addition, urgent care centers tend to have a more limited number of beds than emergency rooms. Thus, if you need serious medical attention, the latter is your go-to.

Why Do More Patients Prefer Urgent Care Clinics?

Urgent care clinics can provide medical attention to patients more efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition, the fact that they treat a wide range of medical conditions makes them an ideal option for people who have limited access to healthcare and health insurance. 

These clinics are also more convenient and accessible to patients on any day. In some cases, they may even perform simple diagnostic tests and administer medication depending on the patient’s needs.

As these clinics are relatively small, they can provide a high level of personalized attention. In addition, they can also see a large number of patients in a short amount of time, which allows them to provide high-quality care at a lower cost than other health care options.

The Healthcare Crisis

On more than one occasion, state healthcare leaders have warned of severe consequences for failing to maintain adequate access to care. The pandemic has further amplified this need as it placed a significant strain on the country’s healthcare system, proving the invaluable role of urgent and mass healthcare in public health crises. 

But with less money set aside for healthcare, states were forced to cut back on staffing, which led to longer wait times and less access to care.

Now faced with the increased aging population, chronic diseases, and declining life expectancy, the need for better access to health care is even greater. With these factors combined and the ever-present risk of political instability, it is no surprise that the desire for better access to health care has only continued to grow.

The Rise of Urgent Care 

In the face of growing healthcare costs and overwhelmed hospital facilities, the urgent care industry has become a vital resource for most Americans. The industry has since seen tremendous growth and is projected to expand at more than 10% over the next decade. 

This growth stems from increased demand for healthcare services, particularly in rural areas where access to traditional healthcare facilities is limited.

At present, several urgent care centers are situated in an accessible location for better patient base reach. Additionally, these facilities have benefited from increased utilization of telehealth services and at-home visits by healthcare professionals. 

The rise of urgent care centers has also led some states to expand existing programs by providing more access to welfare and Medicaid patients.

Urgent Care Clinics amidst Covid

Urgent care clinics have significantly expanded their reach, especially during the pandemic. These facilities have been used to treat patients with various ailments, including the flu, minor injuries, and even chronic conditions. 

They’ve also provided healthcare services in a timely and efficient way without sacrificing the patient’s health and safety. In fact, it was reported that over 90% of patients diagnosed with coronavirus were treated within 4 hours of their initial visit. 

It is also noted that many urgent care facilities have been used as a primary place for immunization services due to the short wait time.

How Can Urgent Care Clinics Retain Patients?

Despite the positive impacts of urgent care clinics, medical workers should continue to improve their services to ensure customer retention. The best way to do this is by taking advantage of the surge of new patient sign-ups as the pandemic continues to mutate and create new virus strains. 

For example, building strategic partnerships will help nurture connections and provide patients with the best care possible.

Urgent care clinics can also establish a welcoming environment for patients by communicating with them effectively. This will also ensure that patient information is passed on correctly and that everybody receives adequate attention and access to all necessary medication. 

They should also take this time to prepare and implement their contingency plans in case of another pandemic outbreak.

In addition, health facilities should also continually improve their systems to provide appropriate medical services when needed. 

This can be accomplished by using electronic medical records (EMR), which will allow patients to have access to their medical histories, appointments, and lab results. EMR also helps ensure that appropriate follow-up is conducted after a patient has visited an urgent care clinic.

What’s Next for Urgent Care?

In the face of rising demand and a shrinking supply, the need for urgent care is evident. However, there are a few things consumers should keep in mind. 

First, you don’t need a primary care provider or an emergency room referral to receive urgent care services. Most urgent care centers are open 7 days a week, so you can go at your convenience. 

Second, although care clinics are convenient and available, they’re not intended to replace the more extreme care provided by a doctor. So, if you have a severe medical problem that requires a hospital stay, don’t attempt to treat it at home.

As the nation’s access to healthcare continues to face unprecedented problems, there is a growing demand among consumers for solutions that provide them with more flexibility while maintaining quality patient outcomes. 

This includes developing facilities that combine aspects of both emergency rooms and urgent care centers to provide more comprehensive treatment. 

Moreover, the future of urgent care requires technology that can drive greater efficiency in service delivery and enable the development of new, more personalized health care experiences for patients.

They may consider delivering healthcare needs via telemedicine, be it paying bills, conducting check-ups, and other types of treatment. These technologies will help urgent care centers provide faster, more precise care, resulting in better outcomes and lower hospital billings. 

Indeed, the digital transformation in healthcare is happening fast, and providers need to keep up with these changes.

However, these technological advances also mean that the digital brand must be consistent across the board. For example, consumers need to know that if they look at a clinic’s website, they are the same as the one they visited in person. 

In addition, these digital conveniences will make it easier for consumers to shop for healthcare, leading to greater competition for providers to keep their clients, resulting in greater efficiency in the system.

The Future of Urgent Care in Connecticut

As the demand for urgent care services continues to grow, so will the need for more urgent care centers in Connecticut. The good news is that while this is the case, there have been some recent developments that show signs of potential growth in the state. 

For example, in 2010, the state legislature passed the Affordable Care Act that allowed for the operation of urgent care clinics mandating inexpensive healthcare across the state.

This provides consumers with additional options for receiving comprehensive medical treatment, convenience, and flexibility. So, if you’re looking for an urgent care clinic near you, consider visiting Doc’s Urgent Care to book an appointment with a specialist today.

Conclusion

The future of healthcare innovation is bright, and urgent care is one of the most promising areas of exploration. As the consumerization of healthcare changes the status quo, urgent care becomes more critical to keep people healthy and connected to their communities. 

However, we still need a lot of work to educate the public on the value of urgent care. Nevertheless, with the right mindset and a little help from technology, Urgent Care can be the best place for your healthcare needs from here on forward.

5 Allergy Testing Myths: Debunked

Female Scientist Using a Microscope

Allergy testing determines allergens like peanuts, mold, bee stings, and pet dander that can usually cause allergic reactions. Healthcare professionals perform allergy tests to identify if your immune system overreacts to particular allergens or substances. 

An allergic reaction is a clear sign that someone has allergies. Allergy testing requires exposing you to a little amount of an allergen and monitoring the reaction.

Allergies can be troublesome, especially when it’s severe. Some can be allergic to dust, bee stings, or even food like peanut, milk, and soy. However, there are different types of allergy testing in CT to identify allergens. 

Suppose you’re experiencing allergic reactions and you want to undergo a test. In that case, your healthcare provider will choose which method is best for you. 

On the other hand, there are rumors and myths about allergies and allergy testing. These myths might steer some people in the wrong direction, which is alarming. 

5 Myths about Allergy Testing

Let’s go ahead and dive deeper to learn more about five popular myths related to allergy testing and the facts behind each rumor.

Myth No. 1: Anyone can do allergy testing. 

 Truth: Allergy testing is part of the puzzle, not merely present at the beginning or end. And this alone doesn’t diagnose the disease. 

 It can be painful when done wrong, so patients must be careful where and with whom they get it. And don’t try to do it yourself with an at-home testing kit or settle for those you can find at malls or pharmacies. After all, you must interpret the results and conduct other needed tests. 

 Working with a trained allergist to perform allergy testing is ideal. They can do these tests without ensuing harm, providing reliable results. That’s why it’s better to do allergy testing under the watchful eye of a board-certified allergist.

Myth No. 2: Allergy (skin) tests are painful for the skin. 

 Truth: Most patients describe allergy (skin) tests as swift and mostly painless. These tests measure the elevation of itchy bumps, determining if the patient is allergic to the particular allergen or not. And they only usually involve dropping allergen extracts in shallow scratches or pricks on an adult’s forearm or a child’s back. 

 Often compared to a mosquito bite, these tests shouldn’t be painful long-term. All testing must be monitored and performed by a board-certified allergist for your safety. Each skin test should only last around 15 to 20 minutes. 

Myth No. 3: Allergy testing is not safe for babies. 

 Truth: Allergy testing comes in different variations and is safe for kids of any age, including babies! After all, many board-certified allergists have training in pediatrics, making them more than capable of performing tests on babies. Depending on a child’s medical and family history, an allergist determines which tests are best for them.  

Myth No. 4: Allergy testing leads to immunotherapy automatically.

 Truth: Allergy testing doesn’t solely lead to immunotherapy. It’s merely one of the treatment options available for allergic reactions. Aside from that, patients may also receive other treatments like medication or strict avoidance of allergens. Sometimes, simple changes to the home environment are enough to treat a patient. 

 Allergists can help patients see which treatment options are best for their unique circumstances. Either way, allergists look at a patient’s age, test results, and medical and family history to determine the appropriate treatment plan. 

Myth No. 5: A positive allergic test result for specific foods means you must permanently remove them from your diet.

Truth: Although it’s better to be safe and cut food you’re allergic to long-term, it’s unnecessary. Board-certified allergists can walk you through your results of allergy testing and will determine if any further tests are needed. And this depends on a patient’s past reactions or family history. 

A positive result from these tests means there’s a high chance the patient has an allergy to that specific food. But skin and blood tests aren’t always accurate since many foods share similar proteins. After an in-depth evaluation and possible food challenge test, your allergist will determine if you must cut out a specific food or not.

How do I know if I need an allergy test?

You may develop allergic rhinitis if you are allergic to airborne allergens such as dust, pet dander, or pollen. This is also known as hay fever which has common symptoms like sore throat, headaches, and itchy and watery eyes. Severe cases may also include nasal congestion, runny nose, excessive sneezing, chronic cough, and shortness of breath.

On the other hand, food allergic reactions usually occur within 30 minutes to two hours after food ingestion. Patients with food allergies may show different symptoms. Skin symptoms include swelling of lips, tongue, and even the whole face with generalized itching. Respiratory symptoms are manifested by wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps.

Types of allergens

In general, allergens are substances that can trigger allergic reactions. There are three major types of allergens:

Inhaled allergens 

This type of allergen affects your body when you inhale substances such as pet dander, pollen, or mold. Your body reacts with the substance that comes in contact with the membranes of your nostrils, throat, or lungs.

Ingested allergens

These kinds of allergens are usually found in specific foods such as soy, peanut, chicken, and seafood. Your body will show allergic reactions once you ingest any of these allergens.

Contact allergens

These allergens require physical contact on your skin to produce an allergic reaction. One of the most popular examples of contact allergen is poison ivy which causes itching and rash when it touches your skin.

Different Types of Allergy Tests

Your healthcare provider will choose the best option of allergy test for you, depending on suspected allergens and your underlying symptoms. Here are the different methods for allergy testing:

These tests include:

Skin prick (scratch) test

A tiny needle is used to prick the skin of your forearm or back with ten to fifty different possible allergens in a skin prick (scratch) test. Alternatively, your provider may apply droplets of probable allergens to your skin and scratch and mildly puncture the area with a device, allowing the substance to enter your skin.

Physical response like redness is expected to appear within 15 minutes of exposure. This method of allergy testing may also include raised and circular bumps called wheals. This test is usually used for food allergies, penicillin allergies, and airborne allergies.

Intradermal skin test 

If the findings of a skin prick test are negative or unclear, you may need an intradermal skin test. Tiny amounts of the allergen are injected into the outer layer of your skin by your doctor (epidermis). 

This type of allergy testing detects allergies to irritants in the air, medicines, and insect bites. This test detects allergies to insect bites, medications, and airborne irritants.

Patch test

This test aims to determine the causes of contact dermatitis. Your doctor will apply drops of an allergen to the skin of your arm and wrap it in a bandage. Alternatively, your doctor may apply an allergen-containing patch or bandage and leave it for 48 to 96 hours. 

After the said waiting period, you’ll then go back to the clinic and let your doctor remove the bandage to look for an allergic reaction on your skin.

Blood (IgE) test

Your doctor sends a sample of your blood to a laboratory for allergy testing. The lab introduces allergens to the blood sample and examines the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in it. Blood tests have a greater chance of false-positive findings.

Challenge tests 

This allergy testing is only performed under the direct, in-person supervision of a practitioner. People who are suspected of having food or medication allergies consume (swallow) a little amount of an allergen. 

This test is often performed by an allergist, a specialist in allergies. Professional supervision is required. If you experience anaphylaxis, the doctor will administer an epinephrine injection as soon as possible to stop the reaction.

Conclusion

Allergic reactions might range from irritating congestion to potentially fatal anaphylactic shock. Allergy tests can help you figure out what’s causing your allergic reactions. There are various allergy tests available. 

Doc’s Urgent Care is one of Connecticut’s most reputable allergy testing centers, serving families 365 days a year. If you or one of your family members is experiencing allergy symptoms, don’t think twice and give them a call. 

Their professionally trained health providers will select the best test for you based on your potential allergy triggers and symptoms.  Health is wealth, and it’s always better to act early to be safe than sorry.

Urgent Care: Reasons to Seek Help and Why It Is Necessary

Reasons to seek help in Urgent Care

Health emergencies come when we least expect them. When you have a terrible cold or certain family members need immediate allergy treatment, the last thing you want is to wait in line at the emergency department of your local hospital. The good news is that there are alternative solutions for that — urgent care clinics.

What Is Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers are medical clinics usually located in central districts. They are fast, convenient, and staffed with competent physicians who provide cures for minor illnesses and injuries. These centers also have adequate medical equipment to help address health problems such as sore throats, earaches, and respiratory infections.

These clinics also conduct blood testing and cholesterol checks; thus, they are often the first stop for most individuals who do not have the financial capability to pay for the hospital.

Why Choose Urgent Health Care?

Most people choose to go to urgent facilities for several reasons. The most common is its quick and efficient operation, suitable for those with busy schedules. In addition, while you may wait in line at a hospital emergency department, the wait at an urgent care center is usually much shorter.

Unlike other clinics, walk-in centers are open seven days a week from early morning to late evening, so you can conveniently schedule your visit. Also, the staff at these facilities is highly-trained in dealing with patients of all ages and providing treatments for common emergencies.

Urgent health care consultations also cost less and can be determined upfront based on the urgency level of each patient. Moreover, most of these facilities are found in convenient locations for better accessibility.

Services Offered by Docs Urgent Care

The pandemic has led to the emergence of urgent care clinics across the state. If you live near Connecticut, you can trust Doc’s Urgent Care clinics as your go-to health provider. Their services include:

Chronic Care

This medical service aims to coordinate care for patients with multiple medical conditions. A team of care providers will work with you to ensure that you stay on top of your needs and maintain proper medications. They also specialize in preventative care services for patients at risk of developing certain diseases or conditions.

This includes children and adults who suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders. This type of care is a proactive medical approach that helps you stay healthy and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Vaccination

Contrary to common beliefs, vaccines aren’t just for children. If you’re pregnant, traveling during flu season, or have comorbidity, you should talk to your doctor to see which vaccination is right for you. This will protect you from contracting contagious diseases and prevent certain infections from spreading. If you’re interested in learning more about the different types of vaccines and how they work, you may contact DOCs Urgent Care Clinic for more information and updates.

Allergy testing

The shifting of seasons can be challenging for people who suffer from various allergies. Although the most common types are found at home, environmental factors can still trigger an allergic reaction. So, whether you have a seasonal, household, or food allergies, you can benefit greatly from seeking help with these facilities.

Your allergist will conduct a complete evaluation to determine the best practice for your condition. Then, they will devise a plan and recommend preventive measures such as getting allergy shots, blood tests, and even a skin patch test. Urgent care clinics can also administer an intradermal test to people showing severe allergic reactions to pet dander, environmental allergies, and other triggers.

However, keep in mind that treating allergies will depend on the severity of your symptoms, the type of allergy you have, and your medical history. Thus, they may prescribe you sublingual tablets, antihistamines, and immunotherapy to stop your immune system from producing the allergy response. They may also recommend changing your diet and getting rid of things that cause an allergic reaction in your home.

Types of Allergens

The most common type of allergens that cause a severe allergic reaction includes pet dander, insect sting, dust and mold, and certain foods. However, the treatments usually depend on the allergy symptoms you have because certain allergens react differently to most individuals. For example, if you have plant allergies, your allergist may recommend avoiding certain plants and trees in your home.

If you have pet allergies, then they may advise you to regularly change your HVAC filters to help improve your home’s air quality. This will also limit your exposure to their fur, decreasing the chances of experiencing severe reactions. They may even conduct various skin testing such as a skin prick test or a skin patch test to provide you with better medications.

Moreover, inhaling a pet’s fur may cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses. In this case, your allergist will have to require regular checkups, medications, and even allergy shots. If you have dust allergies, cleaning your carpets is your best option to remove dust and pet dander from your home.

Likewise, if you are allergic to certain foods such as milk, nuts, and seafood, then they’ll recommend eliminating them from your diet to avoid anaphylactic shock due to the large number of antibodies that the body produces.

Know When To Go

Despite their reputation for convenience, urgent clinics still have limitations. But how do you know when to seek medical help from urgent care clinics? We’ve got you covered!

You Can’t Make it to Your Appointment

Booking appointments with your primary care physician is excellent as they can give you more information and a proper diagnosis of your condition. But if you happen to miss your schedule or your attending doctor is unavailable, visiting the nearby urgent care clinic is the solution. This is especially true if you immediately require first aid or treatment for minor injuries.

You’re Sick or Injured Beyond Urgency

You’ve got a real bad case of food allergy, and you already feel weak from having trouble breathing. You might need to go to the emergency department, but a couple of people are in line waiting for their turn. Your solution? Walk-in clinic.

These facilities offer exceptional care for minor illnesses and injuries but don’t require immediate attention from hospital emergency rooms. They are also authorized to treat low blood pressure and deliver mild cuts or burn medications. So, don’t hesitate to pay them a visit should you find yourself in this situation.

Triggered by Certain Allergens

Allergies happen when our immune system mistakenly thinks something harmful has invaded our bodies. But while many individuals experience allergic reactions to particular foods, medication, and even plants, most of them choose to ignore these symptoms, thinking they will go away. However, ignoring it will only make it worse and, in some cases, may even be life-threatening.

If you show moderate allergy symptoms, consider getting an allergy test at your nearest allergy center or urgent clinic. Treating allergies early on will save you from expensive medical bills and uncomfortable situations. This is crucial because it will help you determine which allergens you need to avoid. But, of course, if you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction, it is best to rush to the emergency room immediately to get the proper medications.

Your Child Is Sick

Sick and injured children often need immediate care and attention because they are still in the most fragile stage of life. Therefore, don’t hesitate to take them to the nearest clinic if you notice any health concerns and symptoms. Urgent care clinics are equipped with friendly and competent medical professionals who can help improve your child’s condition. However, parents should check in with their child’s doctor first to avoid any complications.

You Have a Broken Bone

Broken bones can be painful and challenging to treat because they don’t heal well without proper treatment. In addition, because fractured bones usually require immediate attention, standing in line at the emergency room will only prolong the agony. Therefore, unless your case involves complex procedures and doesn’t put your health at risk, consider a quick trip to the urgent clinic instead.

You Suspect Having a Life-Threatening Disease

If anyone in your family has a potentially fatal condition, seeing an urgent care clinic may be necessary before receiving treatment elsewhere. This is to save you from expensive hospital bills and ensure no complications arise. In addition, the clinics may administer blood tests, skin tests, respiratory evaluations, or prescription medication refills.

However, in most cases, urgent care clinics will only confirm the patient’s condition. Thus, if a patient suffers from a severe illness, they should seek treatment from a doctor in their network.

You Need a Prescription Filled

Prescription refills are standard in the urgent care setting. So, suppose you have high blood pressure, concussion, or asthma. In that case, you can get your medication prescription filled at these facilities, especially if your attending physician isn’t available. This is because they have many medical supplies available on-site, including those that are usually only available in a pharmacy or by prescription.

However, it is recommended to contact your general practitioner before visiting an urgent care clinic to ensure that you receive the correct treatment for your condition. Urgent care facilities will not be able to diagnose or treat any severe conditions unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.

Choosing the Best Urgent Care in Connecticut?

Only a few clinics offer the same level of medical care as a traditional hospital. The best urgent care centers should be able to handle any medical condition with utmost professionalism. You can also check out the facility’s hours of operation and location to see whether it is convenient enough for you to go there quickly.

If it’s located in shady places, this may only give you inconvenience and substandard medical care late on. The best urgent care clinics are usually found in strip malls, commercial areas, and stand-alone buildings. They must also have emergency rooms on-site so individuals can receive immediate medical attention if necessary.

Finally, make sure to choose clinics with good reputations. Fortunately, the Docs Urgent Care Clinic in Connecticut is proven to provide high-quality medical care and service. So set an appointment today to get the care and best treatment you deserve.