Serious injuries such as gunshot wounds, compound fractures, and severe burns, and health issues like heart attack and stroke should be treated right away by a team of specialized doctors. However, where should you go when you have a mild injury or have a rash, fever, or shortness of breath? During these moments you need medical attention, but perhaps not full-blown emergency care. Urgent care centers were created for instances like these.

To learn more about urgent care clinics and the benefits they provide, continue reading below.

4 Benefits of Choosing an Urgent Care Center

1. Cost-Efficiency

One benefit of emergency rooms is that they provide care to everyone, regardless of their health insurance status. Unfortunately, the medical bills for a hospital visit can be astronomical. Even with a solid insurance plan, you may wind up owing over four figures in co-pays and physician fees. In contrast, urgent care centers are far less expensive. Most insurance plans will cover these visits, and the out-of-pocket costs are substantially less than those of a hospital.

2. Shorter Wait Times

Emergency room visits are notorious for taking extensive time for even minor issues, and trying to schedule a same-day appointment with your primary care physician is nearly impossible in most medical centers. Unless your health concern is serious, try visiting an urgent center. There, the staff will see you in a timely fashion; you can get the treatment you need and get back to your life.

3. Extended Hours

Another difficulty of trying to visit your doctor’s office with a pressing health concern is the limited hours. Many physicians’ clinics are only open until 5 p.m., and won’t take patients after 4 p.m. In contrast, an urgent care center is typically open until 7 p.m. or later, so you can get the medical attention you need when you need it.

4. Full Medical Staff

All urgent care centers have a full medical staff on hand. This staff can take x-rays, perform blood tests, and prescribe medications as needed. If it is determined that you need to visit an emergency room, they will arrange transportation for you.

For quality urgent care in Orange Beach, AL, visit Orange Beach Walk-In Medical Care. This clinic offers fast and efficient after-hours medical care. Their team of doctors and nurses will see to it that you receive the quality, quick care you need. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (251) 964-7425 today to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable receptionist.