Immediate care services might be necessary if you’re having an urgent health issue that requires immediate intervention, doesn’t necessitate emergency or life-saving measures, and you don’t want to have to wait for hours in a hospital emergency room. Going to an immediate care facility allows you to get targeted, specialized care in a calmer and more comfortable environment than a hospital or traditional urgent care center. Here are some examples of situations in which you would benefit from seeking immediate care rather than visiting a crowded, understaffed, uncomfortable hospital ER.
Mild Illness and Dehydration
If you have a cold, flu, or another illness that isn’t extreme or serious, you should visit an immediate care facility instead of a hospital emergency room. If you are uncomfortable and are unable to get a same-day appointment with your primary care physician, an immediate care facility can provide swift, targeted treatment. No appointment is necessary, and often there are no wait times. Minor illnesses and ailments include mild flu symptoms, cough and congestion, sore throat, ear pain, eye infections, a rash without fever, and painful urination. You can also visit an immediate care facility if you have symptoms of dehydration – you can get set up with an IV infusion of fluids that will get you back on your feet quickly.
Minor Cuts That Might Need Stitches
If you have a minor cut that might need stitches, it’s in your best interests to visit an immediate care facility rather than a hospital ER. Because hospital ERs use a triage system, a minor injury is considered very low priority. If there are a lot of patients ahead of you, you may end up waiting for hours before you’re seen. The medical specialists at immediate care facilities can quickly evaluate the severity of the cut or abrasion, and determine if you need stitches. In some cases, with mild cuts, the medical specialist may clean and disinfect the area and then use liquid stitches rather than sutures. Liquid stitches are a painless, quick treatment method for minor cuts that keep them closed so they can heal without becoming infected.
Sprains and Strains
If you have a minor sprain or strain, you can visit an immediate care facility for evaluation and treatment. You can get a splint or sling and up to two prescribed medications filled in the site’s dispensary, including non-narcotic pain relievers. Your medical specialist will immobilize the limb or joint to minimize pain, and make sure you have a safe way to maintain your mobility, such as crutches, braces, or a knee scooter.
Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and/or Vomiting
In some cases, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or vomiting can be symptoms of a mild illness or food poisoning. If you have a fever and/or your symptoms are accompanied by any other severe problems like chest pain, fainting or weakness, vision changes, confusion, extreme bleeding, coughing or vomiting up blood, or difficulty speaking, you should visit a hospital emergency room. If your symptoms are mild, a medical specialist at an immediate care facility can evaluate you and provide anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medication, and rehydrate you using IV infusion therapy.
Wheezing and/or Shortness of Breath
If you have trouble breathing and/or chest pain or pressure and your lips or face are turning blue, you should visit a hospital emergency room. If you are having an asthma attack or mild shortness of breath, you can be treated at an immediate care facility. A medical specialist will evaluate your symptoms and administer medication that makes it easier to breathe.
Visit Us at ImmediateCare Arizona
If you have an immediate medical need and don’t want to wait at an urgent care or emergency waiting room, come see us at ImmediateCare Arizona. We accept all major insurance and offer affordable direct-pay options. You can make an appointment online, call us at (520) 800-8229 or just stop by and see us – we accept walk-ins! We offer a broad range of urgent and routine medical services, onsite diagnostics and laboratory testing, sustainable wellness options, and infusion therapy.