Urgent Care vs Emergency Room: 10 Situations Visiting Urgent Care is More Ideal

Urgent Care vs Emergency Room - Urgent care center Fairfield CT

Sometimes, accidents and emergencies happen at the most inconvenient time. Thus, it is best to be prepared for these situations by knowing where to go. It’s no secret that urgent care centers, such as DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield in Connecticut, are becoming increasingly popular these days.

In fact, according to the latest urgent care industry trends for 2022, experts have seen a surge in urgent care facilities over the past few years, from 6,400 in 2014 to 8,100 in 2018. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused even more people to visit urgent care centers rather than emergency rooms.

Of course, emergency rooms are still advisable for people with serious injuries or illnesses, but urgent care centers offer more comprehensive and convenient care for non-life-threatening situations. So what about urgent care facilities with people flocking there instead of heading to the Emergency Room?

Here are 10 reasons why urgent care is more suitable than the ER:

1. You Don't Need an Appointment

Have you ever felt sick, but your doctor’s office is closed? Or maybe you hurt yourself, but it’s not serious enough to go to the ER. That’s where the urgent care clinic comes in! Urgent care centers, such as the DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield, are a great resource when you need medical attention but don’t have a life-threatening emergency.

The best part is you don’t need an appointment! You can just walk right in. Urgent care centers are staffed with experienced medical professionals who can provide a wide range of services, from diagnosing and treating illnesses to stitching up wounds. So next time you feel under the weather or have had a minor accident, skip the long wait at the ER and head to your nearest urgent care center.

Doctor and patient - Walk in clinic Fairfield CT

2. You Can Get In and Out Faster

Emergency rooms are often very busy, which means you could be waiting for hours to be seen by a doctor. Urgent care centers are much less crowded, so you can usually get in and out fairly quickly. In fact, the average wait time at an urgent care center is only 15-30 minutes.

Plus, since Urgent care centers are open for extended hours, you can often get the care you need even when your regular doctor’s office is closed. So if you’re feeling sick late at night or on the weekend, you can still get the treatment you need without going to the ER.

3. Urgent Care Centers Cost Less

Urgent care centers are typically much less expensive than emergency rooms. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle more serious cases, so they often charge more for their services. Urgent care centers, on the other hand, provide lower-cost care for non-life-threatening conditions.

Additionally, many insurance plans have lower co-pays for urgent care centers than emergency rooms. So if you have a minor illness or injury, going to your local urgent care center can save you both time and money.

Doctor - Urgent care Fairfield CT

4. Urgent Care Centers Offer More Services

Urgent care centers offer various services beyond just treating illnesses and injuries. Many urgent care centers, like DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield, the leading urgent care in Fairfield, CT, offer on-site X-rays and laboratory testing. This means you can get the necessary diagnostic tests without going to a separate facility.

Additionally, many urgent care centers offer sports physicals, immunizations, and other preventive services. So if you need a last-minute physical for your child’s soccer team or you’re looking to get your flu shot, an urgent care center is a great option.

5. Urgent Care Centers Have Experienced Medical Professionals

All of the staff members at Urgent care centers are experienced medical professionals. This includes doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Urgent care center staff members are trained to handle a wide variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

So whether you’re coming in for a cold or a sprained ankle, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. Plus, since urgent care centers see patients of all ages, they’re equipped to handle both kids and adults.

Urgent Care Centers in Fairfield CT

6. Urgent Care Centers Use the Latest Technology

Urgent care centers use the latest technology to provide the best possible care for their patients. This includes electronic medical records, on-site X-rays and laboratory tests, and online appointment scheduling.

Additionally, many urgent care centers now offer telemedicine services. This means you can consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner via video chat, text messaging, or email. Telemedicine is a great option if you have a minor illness or injury and don’t feel like coming into the office.

7. Urgent Care Centers Have On-Site Pharmacies

If you need medication, you can usually fill it at the urgent care center. Many urgent care centers have on-site pharmacies, so you don’t have to make a separate trip to the store. Plus, on-site pharmacies often offer discounts on medications, so you can save money on your prescriptions.

8. Urgent Care Centers Offer a Wide Range of Payment Options

Urgent care centers accept various payment options, including insurance, cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Additionally, many urgent care centers offer flexible financing options, so you can pay for your care over time. This makes getting the treatment you need easy without breaking the bank.

Urgent Care Centers in Fairfield Have Extended Hours

9. Urgent Care Centers Have Extended Hours

Urgent care centers typically have extended hours, so you can get the care you need when it’s convenient. Many urgent care centers even open late and on weekends, so you don’t have to miss work or school to see a doctor.

10. You're Less Likely to be Exposed to Serious Illnesses at Urgent Care Centers

Since urgent care centers only treat non-life-threatening conditions, you’re less likely to be exposed to serious illnesses. This is especially important if you have a weakened immune system or you’re recovering from an illness.

Additionally, many urgent care centers now offer private rooms, so you don’t have to worry about exposure to other sick patients. Urgent care centers offer a wide variety of benefits over traditional emergency rooms. If you’re looking for quality, convenient, and affordable medical care, an urgent care center is a great option.

When To Go To Urgent Care in Fairfield, CT

The urgent care clinic is the perfect place to go when you have a simple, non-life-threatening medical issue. Urgent care clinics in Fairfield, CT, provide convenient, affordable, quality care for various minor illnesses and injuries.

Some of the most common reasons to visit your local urgent care center include:

  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Sore throat
  • Strep throat
  • Earache
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Minor cuts and burns
  • Sprains and strains
  • Food poisoning
  • Rashes
  • Moderate body pains

However, please note that if the attending physician determines that your symptoms are severe and that you require more specialized care, they will likely refer you to the nearest emergency room. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are severe enough to warrant a trip to the ER, visit the nearest urgent care clinic in Fairfield, CT, immediately to properly assess the situation.

The Best Urgent Care Clinic in Fairfield, CT

DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield offers a wide range of services, including telemedicine, on-site X-rays and laboratory tests, and online appointment scheduling. Plus, our on-site pharmacy can fill your prescriptions immediately, so you don’t have to make a separate trip to the store. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing options for those needing them.

If you’re looking for quality, convenient, and affordable urgent care in Fairfield, CT, DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield is here to help.

Notice

During this surge in COVID-19 cases, our primary focus is meeting the high demand for tests, and we are seeing higher than usual wait times. This means we are unable to answer most phone calls. Please know that our teams are working very hard during this time to care for as many patients as safely as possible. Please click the button below for answers to common questions. We appreciate your understanding.