Urgent care facilities, or walk-in clinics, offer an option for medical care that is a step between a regular doctor's appointment and a trip to the emergency room. If you've never been to an urgent care facility, there are a few things you'll want to know before heading to your local provider.
Proper Paperwork
In many cases, your urgent care provider may not have access to your medical history or other personal information. This means you'll need to bring a few pieces of paperwork with you before you can be seen. Be sure to bring your insurance card and photo ID. You'll be asked to fill out some new patient forms, which may ask for your medical history and a list of any prescriptions you might take. It's a good idea to have this information already written down so you can transfer the information to the forms at the urgent care facility quickly and accurately. If the urgent care facility is connected to a hospital your primary care physician is associated with, be sure to let the receptionist know, as you might not need to fill out all of this paperwork.
Payment Options
Depending on what your insurance policy covers, you may be required to pay a copayment at the time of service. Some insurance providers may bill you later for the cost of services as well as your copayment. If you don't have insurance, the urgent care facility may require payment at the time of service, so it's a good idea to ask before you arrive at the facility. In some cases, you may be able to arrange a payment plan to cover the costs of your visit.
Medical Needs
It's important to know whether or not your medical condition warrants a trip to the urgent care facility. If you are in immediate medical danger, such as if you believe you might be having a heart attack or stroke, the emergency room should be your chosen destination. However, if you have a minor injury or illness and can't wait to see your regular physician, an urgent care facility might be the right option for you. If the facility determines you need immediate emergency care, the medical team may work to stabilize you while waiting for an ambulance to transport you to the local hospital.
Medical Staff
While all urgent care facilities provide medical care, they don't always have doctors see every patient. In some cases, you might see a nurse practitioner for your care. Nurse practitioners can write prescriptions, diagnose illnesses, and provide a wide range of treatments. If you feel more comfortable with a doctor, you may want to research the different urgent care facilities in your area to find one that only makes doctors available to patients.
Urgent care facilities provide the care you need when you can't see your regular doctor and you need immediate care. Knowing what to expect from your visit can help you to be better prepared when you walk in the doors. To learn more, contact an urgent care facility like West Ocean City Injury & Illness Center.
