Migraine is a complex condition characterized by severe, episodic, and unilateral headaches (occurring only on one side of the head), which are often accompanied by a host of other debilitating symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, muscle weakness, and blurry vision. Migraine episodes can last between four and seventy-two hours, hence making carrying out even simple day-to-day activities especially difficult.
If you’re living with migraine and wondering where you should go in the event of a migraine attack and it’s already beyond your primary care physician’s office hours, you have two options: an urgent care clinic and a hospital ER.
There are several differences between urgent care and emergency care facilities that are worth considering. These differences can help you determine which type of facility you should go to for your care.
Urgent Care Clinic Vs. Emergency Room
Emergency departments are open 24/7 and can help with all types of medical emergencies, while urgent care clinics are typically open seven days a week, with extended hours.
Migraine is classified as a non-life-threatening medical condition but still warrants high-priority care. If you want to avoid outrageous medical bills and the long wait times associated with emergency room visits, seeking treatment at an urgent care facility is your best bet. Urgent care is a more cost-effective and affordable option for both insured and noninsured patients. Urgent care clinics accept most major insurances, but also offer fair and upfront pricing for self-pay patients. Furthermore, urgent care facilities tend to be less crowded than a hospital ER. This translates into shorter wait times, allowing you to be seen by a healthcare provider much more quickly. Additionally, patients are usually discharged faster in urgent care clinics.
It’s worth keeping in mind that urgent care clinics are also manned by emergency medicine physicians—the same type of healthcare professionals attending to patients in emergency rooms. Thus, you can rest assured that the quality of care will receive is the same.
What if I Require Tests?
Many urgent care facilities offer a wide range of diagnostic services, such as digital X-rays, laboratory testing (such as blood, urine), and electrocardiography (EKG).
If the emergency medicine physician deems that you require specialized care or further investigation, they can help to coordinate your care with a neurologist or pain management specialist, who can devise a treatment plan that can mitigate your migraine attacks.
Urgent Care Clinic in Le Roy, NY
At Cornerstone Urgent Care Center, our emergency room physicians are always ready to serve you and provide you with the unparalleled, personalized care you deserve. Simply walk in—no appointments required.
You may also contact us at (585) 207-0088, or send us a message to let us know you are coming.
