When Do I Need Urgent Care?

Even though we’ve been struggling with rapidly changing health care availability, particularly for the past two years, we all still need to know what to do if we’re hurt or sick, and it has nothing to do with the pandemic. People still get sick and injured every day, and it can be confusing to figure out where to go for fast, professional medical care when things are urgent.

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care is designed to serve walk-in patients who need a doctor right away. With immediate appointments and a full staff with the technology and tools needed to treat urgent needs, the urgent care clinic is often a safe haven, especially during times of ER overrun.

How is Urgent Care Different from Immediate Care or ER Care?

ER care is where you need to be for life-and-death illness and injury. The ER, typically attached to a hospital, has access to everything possible to save lives, especially in trauma situations.

Immediate care typically offers same-day or walk-in appointments for patients who are hurt or sick but do not need extensive or in-depth care. Immediate care clinics are often staffed with nurse practitioners.

Urgent care is where you can get immediate, expert care for things like broken bones or stitches. Doctors and even surgeons are on staff and available to treat conditions as symptoms begin to appear. Urgent care provides everything you need for safe, professional treatment in many urgent and serious situations.

How Do I Know Urgent Care is Sufficient?

If the situation is life-threatening, get to the nearest ER for treatment that may save your life. If it’s not life-threatening, urgent care can often be the best choice. Fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, asthma attacks, lacerations, joint pain, minor burns, minor fractures and sprains and strains are all things that can be treated in Urgent care rather than the ER.

Where Can I Find a Trustworthy Urgent Care Clinic?

For professional, compassionate urgent care, Clear Immediate Care is an excellent choice. Clear Immediate Care is located on the South Loop in Chicago. Find out why our patients sing praises about our urgent care here.