Emergency care centers have increased in number over the last few decades. Local news sources Community Impact recently reported that the number of emergency care centers in Houston increased dramatically. It’s a familiar story across the land. The growth is a clear sign that people want more health care options that are convenient than stressful.
If you have never visited an emergency care center before, here are six things you need to know before you go.
They Are An Alternative to the ER in Many Situations
When your primary physician is unavailable and you need medical attention, the natural reaction is to make a trip to the emergency room. A study by the National Center for Health Statistics found just that 48% of ED patients those who aren’t hospitalized visit the ER because their doctor’s office is not open.
Emergency treatment centers are equipped to treat many of the injuries and diseases seen in the ER. During cold and flu season, emergency rooms are flooded with patients who are sick but far from critical. They could have gone to an emergency treatment center and received the same treatment from a highly qualified doctor.
Common injuries and diseases that can be treated in an emergency care facility include:
- · Fracture
- Wounds that need stitches
- Severe colds and flu
- · High fever
- · Minor burns
- Sprained ankle
- Pulling muscles
- · Diarrhea and vomiting
Basically, a non-life-threatening sickness or injury can be treated by doctors in an emergency care center.
They’re Much More Expensive Than an Emergency Room
It’s no secret that trips to the ER are unbelievably expensive. However, many people do not realize that they can save quite a lot of money by going to an emergency treatment center. For example, PlushCare emergency care the facility only charges a flat fee of $99 for your first visit and $69 for all other visits. There aren’t any fixed costs in the emergency room.
A few years ago, the financial experts at WiseBread compared the costs of ER visits and emergency care. All nine medical conditions screened cost much less to treat in an emergency care facility. The biggest difference is treating sinus infections – $112 in emergency care compared to $617 in the ER.
You Will Be Taken Care Of Faster
Aside from the high medical costs, the biggest complaint about emergency rooms is the long wait. Your problem may look like it needs immediate attention; however, once you get to the ER, your condition is not treated like an emergency. If your injury or sickness is not life threatening, you’ll have to wait at the back of very long lines that can take hours.
Emergency treatment amenities are set up to expedite the treatment process. Because they do not have to deal with real emergency situations, they can get patients in and out without having to wait long. You can even call ahead and see the doctor at a certain time.
You Can Come or Schedule an Appointment
With an emergency care center, you have more flexibility. As mentioned above, unlike the emergency room, you can schedule a time to come to the emergency treatment center. Or you can go in without an appointment. Scheduling systems are another way emergency care amenities can reduce patient waiting times.
They Receive Health Insurance
Most emergency care amenities accept medical health insurance such as a hospital or doctor’s office. Many people choose to pay out of pocket because the fees are so low, but it is all the time best to find a facility that accepts your policy.
Call ahead to ask what medical health insurance plans are accepted at the facility. Most of the time you’ll only be asked to pay for a copay visit if your medical health insurance is accepted.
They are Staffed By High Quality Doctors and Nurses
It is true that emergency treatment centers don’t employ specialists or doctors who can perform life-saving operations. However, doctors and nurses in emergency care amenities are highly trained medical professionals capable of treating most non-life-threatening injuries or diseases. They are on par with general practitioners and can:
- · Making a diagnosis
- · Order laboratory tests
- · Providing care
- · Write a prescription if needed
It is important to perform some research and find a local emergency care center with a good reputation. Most amenities have a website where you can read a doctor’s bio and view their credentials before scheduling an appointment.
