Know When to Go: Urgent Care vs. Walk-in Clinic

Urgent Care Clinic

An emergency can occur at any time. It was Saturday morning, and my child fell while playing in the backyard. He was not able to put weight on his leg and was crying in pain. In this situation, where do you head to walk-in or urgent clinic care? 

As I said earlier, unexpected situations can arise at any time. All you have to do is prepare yourself for the situation and know the information about where you will take your child - emergency or urgent care clinic. In this blog, we should learn some information differences between emergency departments and urgent care clinics:


Difference between the emergency department and urgent care clinics


1. Medical emergencies can occur at anytime

Well, emergencies often occur when we least expect them. However, preparation for disasters can reduce the impact and essentially avoid danger. EDs are designed to treat life-threatening medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries. 


Otherwise, Urgent care clinics are not equipped to handle such emergencies and may refer patients to an ED or call an ambulance if necessary.


2. Out-of-pocket costs

The decision to go to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care center likely depends on the following factors:

  • Cost

  • Convenience 

  • Seriousness of problem

  • Medical vulnerability 

And many more. 


But costing is the crucial factor an individual focuses on while visiting a hospital. Did you know that costing for the emergency department and urgent care clinics are different? EDs are generally more expensive than urgent care clinics, both in terms of out-of-pocket costs and insurance co-pays. On the other hand, urgent care clinics are often a more affordable option for non-life-threatening conditions.


3. Wait times

Keep in mind that emergency departments across the state are busy, and people have to wait for hours. If you believe your symptoms have changed or worsened, talk to the professionals in the department who can help you with the situation. 


EDs can have long wait times, especially if there are many patients with serious conditions. Urgent care clinics generally have shorter wait times, but they may still have a wait time depending on the number of patients seeking care.


4. Hours of operation

EDs are open 24/7, whereas urgent care clinics typically have limited hours, such as 8 AM to 8 PM. This means that patients with non-life-threatening conditions who need medical attention outside of those hours may need to go to an ED.


Whereas urgent care clinics are specifically open for some time. These clinics have doctors on staff who can diagnose and prescribe treatment for various health conditions, which can include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Bug stings

  • Cold or flu

  • Small lacerations

  • Allergic reactions 


However, for a major, go straight to the emergency room. Situations that require a hospital can include: 

  • Confusion

  • Headache

  • Chest pain 

  • Unconsciousness

  • Severe vomiting 


5. Scope of services

Last but not the least, EDs have more comprehensive resources and can provide a wider range of services than urgent care clinics, including surgery and other complex procedures. 


Urgent care clinics are generally limited to basic medical care, such as treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, lab tests, and X-rays.


Before we head to emergency or walk-in care, a person should have knowledge. It's important to understand the differences between EDs and urgent care clinics and seek care accordingly. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ED immediately. For non-life-threatening conditions, urgent care clinics may provide faster and more affordable care.


Apex clinic care offers quality, comprehensive, and cost-effective medical care. 

We're proud to serve the nation when they need it the most. Our clinic is nestled between Katy and Cypress and online minutes away from Houston, Richmond, and Fulshear. We offer walk-in services for all types of non-life-threatening medical conditions. 


Our walk-in clinics are staffed with qualified physicians with emergency room experience. Our doctors will listen to you and develop a clear plan that is tailored to your needs.

Location: Texas, USA

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