When you need medical help fast, urgent care clinic services can be a lifesaver. Here's everything you need to know about urgent care clinics and how to find them near you.
Urgent care clinics are becoming increasingly popular as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to emergency rooms and hospitals. With longer hours, quicker wait times, and a variety of services provided, urgent care can be the right choice for many medical issues that would otherwise have required more time and money at another healthcare facility. 
Types of Services an Urgent Care Offers
Urgent care clinics can provide a wide range of medical services, ranging from routine physicals and check-ups to more complicated illnesses and injuries. Examples of the types of medical conditions that can be seen at an urgent care clinic include cold, flu, sprains and strains, lacerations, minor burns or broken bones. Some urgent cares also offer x-rays or lab work to aid in diagnosing certain medical issues.
Benefits of Visiting Urgent Care Over the Emergency Room
When it comes to cost effectiveness for non-life threatening illnesses or injuries, urgent care clinics are often preferred over emergency rooms. In comparison to visiting a hospital emergency room where wait times can range anywhere between 2-6 hours before seeing a doctor, visiting an urgent care clinic can often be accomplished within an hour or two. In addition, the cost of medical services at an urgent care clinic is significantly lower than that of a hospital emergency room.
How to Find Urgent Care Clinics Near You
Urgent care clinics are located throughout the US, and can easily be found by searching online or checking the phone book for your local area. Before visiting any urgent care clinic make sure to check their website for hours and services offered as well as accepted payment methods. Some popular websites to search for urgent cares around you are:
Does Health Insurance Cover Urgent Care Clinics?
In most cases, health insurance will cover visits to urgent care clinics however it's best to contact your insurance provider in advance to confirm if they cover the specific types of services you are seeking.
What to Expect When You Visit an Urgent Care Clinic
When visiting any urgent care clinic, make sure to bring your insurance card and a list of all medications that you take so the healthcare provider can accurately treat you. Arriving early will ensure that paperwork is completed prior to being seen by the doctor or nurse practitioner. In addition, it is helpful to come prepared with questions for your medical provider related to your condition and treatment options.
Overall, urgent care clinics offer an efficient and cost-effective option for non-life threatening illnesses or injuries. With shorter wait times, a variety of services offered, and more convenient hours than a hospital emergency room, it's easy to see why so many people are turning to urgent cares for their medical needs.
It is important to contact your health insurance provider in advance to ensure that they cover the types of services you need as well as research different urgent care options near you prior to visiting. Lastly, following helpful tips such as eating nutritious meals and getting adequate sleep can help you stay healthy and out of the doctor’s office.