According to the CDC, 48% of adult ER patients are not actually sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. As a result, urgent care is one of the fastest-growing segments of the American healthcare system. Urgent care has become a viable alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening conditions, which makes this healthcare option beneficial in several ways.
1. Variety of treatment. Urgent care providers are able to treat a wide variety of minor conditions. Fractures, lacerations, concussions, strains, sprains, and upper respiratory illnesses, for example, can all be treated at an urgent care facility. As a result, patients with minor health problems can avoid the emergency room by visiting a local urgent care center.
2. Short wait times. Most urgent care patients experience short wait times. In fact, more than half of patients wait only 15 minutes or less to be seen, and 80% of all visits are completed in 60 minutes or less. This means that by visiting urgent care, patients can get the immediate medical attention they need.
3. Low cost. Urgent care facilities cost less than the emergency room. While the typical trip to the emergency room costs approximately $1,500, the average urgent care visit only costs around $150. As a result, patients are able to get medical care at an affordable rate by visiting an urgent medical care center.
There are several benefits of urgent care. Not only do urgent care providers offer a variety of treatment at a low cost, but most patients experience short wait times, as well. As a result, urgent care has become a practical alternative to the emergency room for minor health conditions. Read more blogs like this.
