Q&A
ASK Your Doctor
What is the difference between an urgent care center and an emergency department?
Our urgent care centers complement your doctor by offering care when the doctor’s office typically is closed. They also offer some services that usually are not available in a doctor’s office, such as X-ray and wound management. Examples of conditions treated at our urgent care centers include: Allergic reactions Asthma (mild to moderate wheezing) Broken bones Burns (minor) Cuts (minor) Dehydration Diarrhea Ear aches and infections Fever (except infants less than 8 weeks of age; they should be taken directly to the emergency department) Rashes and bumps Sprains Sore throats Vomiting Pneumonia Flu Injuries Sinus Infections Bacterial Infections If you come to the urgent care center and our physician feels you need to go to the Emergency Department, a transport team will be called so medically trained professionals can accompany you to the hospital.
Should we go to the urgent care center or the emergency room?
It may be difficult to decide if you need to go to the emergency room or if you could be treated at the urgent care center. To help make the decision, you should call your doctor or the urgent care center then they will be able to assist you in determining the best place to go for your treatment. Those with serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses should go immediately to the Emergency Department.
What are the qualifications of the staff at our urgent care centers?
Our doctors, nurses and medical assistants are trained and highly professional. Our doctors are Board Certified in Family Medicine or Emergency Medicine. Therefore, our staff is highly qualified to treat and manage your health needs.
Will my insurance pay for urgent care center visits?
Most insurance companies do cover urgent care visits, but we recommend you consult your insurance company for more information. And many insurance companies require co-pays, which should be listed on your insurance card. If your co-pay is not listed, our urgent care staff will help you determine your co-pay. Most insurance companies pay for services at urgent care centers. Most insurance companies encourage you to go to urgent care because of lower co-pays at the urgent care center as opposed to the emergency departments.
What if I or my child needs a physical?
We do complete routine school, camp or athletic physicals at our urgent care centers.
What if I need a lab test or an X-ray?
If your urgent care physician orders labs or radiology tests, our medical staff will perform the tests while you wait and notify your physician of the results.