When it comes to healthcare options, urgent care often faces misconceptions that can prevent people from getting timely, appropriate care. Dr. Thomas Chmelicek, Division Chief of Renown Urgent Care, helps us debunk common myths about urgent care services.
Fact: While both provide important medical care, urgent care centers and emergency rooms serve different purposes. Urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention but aren’t true emergencies. Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are equipped to handle life-threatening situations like heart attacks, severe trauma and other critical conditions.
"Urgent Care bridges the gap between your primary care provider and the emergency room," explains Dr. Chmelicek. "We're here for those situations that need same-day attention but don't warrant an emergency room visit."
Fact: Walk-ins are welcome at most urgent care centers, including Renown Urgent Care. No appointment is necessary, making them a convenient option when you need care quickly. "We understand that illnesses and injuries don't happen on a schedule," says Dr. Chmelicek. "That's why we offer walk-in services with extended hours, including evenings and weekends."
However, to save time, you can reserve your spot in line at Renown Urgent Care before you arrive by choosing a convenient time and checking in online.
Fact: Urgent care centers typically have significantly shorter wait times than emergency rooms. According to Dr. Chmelicek, "The average wait time at an urgent care is usually under an hour, while emergency room waits can extend to several hours, especially if your condition isn't life-threatening."
Fact: While costs vary depending on your insurance coverage, urgent care visits are typically less expensive than emergency room visits and comparable to primary care visits.
Fact: Most urgent care centers, including Renown Urgent Care, are equipped to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. "Our providers are trained to address pediatric concerns and can effectively treat common childhood illnesses and injuries," explains Dr. Chmelicek. Urgent care centers routinely handle pediatric issues like ear infections, strep throat, minor injuries, and seasonal illnesses. However, for specialized pediatric emergencies or chronic conditions, children may be referred to pediatric specialists or emergency care.
Fact: While urgent care provides valuable immediate care services, it's designed to complement, not replace, your primary care physician.
Urgent care centers are designed to treat short-term, non-emergency issues that need prompt attention, such as minor injuries, infections or sudden illnesses. Their focus is on addressing immediate symptoms and short-term needs, rather than ongoing health management. Urgent care does not typically manage chronic conditions or develop long-term care plans.
Fact: Urgent care can actually handle a wide range of medical conditions beyond just minor issues. "We treat everything from sprains, fractures, and lacerations to respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and even can perform minor procedures," Dr. Chmelicek explains. Renown Urgent Care facilities are equipped with diagnostic tools like X-rays, lab testing capabilities and medications to address numerous medical needs. While they don't replace emergency rooms for life-threatening situations, urgent care centers can effectively manage many moderate conditions that people might otherwise take to an ER.
