Many people visit urgent care centers to receive medical treatment. In fact, statistics from 2012 found that urgent care centers most commonly performed wound repair procedures. That being said, urgent care facilities perform many types of medical procedures. Unless you’re dealing with life threatening situation, you can probably receive the care you need at a walk in clinic. With that in mind, here is what to expect during your first urgent care visit.
Preparing for Your Urgent Care Visit
Fortunately, you won’t need to do much to prepare for an urgent care visit. It’s not only people with no doctor who visit these clinics. Statistics show that nearly 85% of urgent care centers remain open seven days a week. Therefore, urgent care centers are attractive options for those unable to see their primary doctor. While you don’t need to typically make an appointment, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. You can do this by bringing a list of any current medications you’re taking. In addition, you’ll want to remember to bring any type of insurance information for paperwork purposes.
What to do After Arriving at a Urgent Care Clinic
After you’ve arrived at an urgent care clinic, you’ll need to check in at the front desk. You’ll typically sign your name and your arrival time on a piece of paper. In addition, you’ll usually need to make a payment before receiving your patient forms. Treatment costs vary depending upon whether or not you have insurance. After you’ve made your payment, it’s time to fill out your patient forms.
Filling out these forms allows medical professionals to learn more about you. It’s important to be completely honest while filling out these forms. While you might not want to admit that you smoke or drink, medical professionals find this information essential. This enables those treating you to ensure you receive medication that doesn’t potentially conflict with your lifestyle. After a short wait, you’ll be able to be seen by a medical professional.
Receiving Treatment From a Medical Professional
Next, it’s time to go into a physician’s office. This allows you to tell the physician, in your own words, what is happening. After this, you’ll likely receive appropriate diagnostic tests. These test help medical professionals determine what is wrong with you. In turn, you’ll receive recommended medications to begin using.
In closing, it’s understandable to not know what to expect before visiting an urgent care clinic. Fortunately, you’ll find that many patients visit these locations. In fact, statistics gathered from the Urgent Care Association of America found that nearly 3 million people visited these locations each week. Many patients visit these locations in order to receive fast and trustworthy medical care. After making your payment and filling out the necessary paperwork, you’ll receive care from a medical professional.