An urgent care center is a medical facility you go to if you need emergency care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. If you’ve never been to one, know that an urgent care center is actually like a walk-in clinic. They can treat conditions such as scrapes, cuts, sprains, strains, fractures, cough, colds, the flu, and eye and ear infections.
There is usually no need to make an appointment to receive care. Although you can call ahead to let them know you are coming and to provide them with details to facilitate the visit. Still, hesitating? Here’s what you can expect from your first time at an urgent care center.
A Warm and Friendly Greeting
The staff and environment in urgent care centers are noticeably more calm and relaxed. There are no life and death situations that can stress the staff out in urgent care clinics. So expect a smile and a warm and friendly greeting right at the door. With this, you will be more comfortable telling them about your condition or symptoms. They will help you register and ask for important details about your personal information, primary care provider’s information, insurance, and method of payment. Then, you will be seen by a physician.
Timely, High-Quality Care and Treatment
The health care professionals at urgent care centers provide timely care to patients. Hence, the term “urgent” in urgent care centers. Your wait, if you should ever wait, would take just a few minutes to less than an hour. Far less than it would take to see a doctor in another medical facility.
Talk to the doctor about your symptoms and show him or her where the problem is. Show the doctor medical documentation, including a list of prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking. Expect a type of examination that you would get at your primary care doctor’s clinic. Physicians at urgent care clinics take their time with their patients. Urgent care clinics also have on-site diagnostic testing such as X-rays, blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). The doctor will make a diagnosis and provide treatment options. You will come away with an understanding of what you have and a prescription for medication should you need it.
Referral
The doctor will refer you to a specialist if the facility is not able to adequately treat your condition or if you need specialized treatment. They will work closely with the specialist and provide information to your primary care doctor.
Preparing For Your Visit
When you arrive at an urgent care center, the staff will welcome you. Present your identification and your insurance card, if you are insured, and pay your deductible. However, patients with no insurance will not be turned away. Urgent care centers accept payments in cash, credit cards, and checks. Visits to urgent care centers are usually more affordable than emergency room visits.
Urgent Care Center in Rochester, New York
At Cornerstone Urgent Care Center, we are ready to see patients who need treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. We are located at 2968 Chili Avenue and are open Monday through Friday 8-8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 9-7 pm. For any questions or to let us know you are coming, call (585) 207-0088.
