Urgent care centers are often the go-to for immediate medical needs that aren’t life-threatening emergencies. You probably know you can head to urgent care for ailments like colds, flu, minor cuts, and sprains. But the scope of services offered at urgent care facilities is actually much broader than many people realize. Beyond the basics, urgent care provides a range of treatments and services that can be incredibly convenient and save you a trip to the emergency room or a long wait for a primary care appointment. One common question people have is, “Can I get a doctor’s note from urgent care?” The answer is yes, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what urgent care can do for you.
Surprising Services Offered at Urgent Care
Many people underestimate the capabilities of urgent care centers. Here are some key services you might be surprised to find are readily available:
Doctor’s Notes for Work or School Absences
Yes, you absolutely can get a doctor’s note from urgent care. If you wake up feeling unwell and need to miss work or school, visiting an urgent care center is a quick and efficient way to get seen by a medical professional and obtain the necessary documentation. These notes, sometimes called sick notes or medical excuses, are crucial for verifying your absence and ensuring it’s excused. Instead of waiting days for an appointment with your primary physician, urgent care offers a same-day solution to get the medical verification you need, allowing you to focus on recovery and return to your responsibilities sooner. This service is particularly helpful for those unexpected illnesses that pop up suddenly.
On-Site X-Rays and Diagnostic Imaging
It might surprise you to learn that many urgent care facilities are equipped with X-ray machines. This capability is incredibly beneficial for diagnosing fractures, sprains, and other injuries that require imaging to assess properly. If you suspect a broken bone or a significant sprain after a fall or sports injury, urgent care can often provide on-the-spot X-rays. Qualified providers will interpret these images and develop a treatment plan right there. All X-rays taken at urgent care are typically reviewed by a radiologist, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up care. Common X-rays performed include those for wrists, ankles, arms, legs, and even chest X-rays when necessary.
Stitches and Wound Repair for Injuries
Urgent care centers are well-equipped to handle lacerations and wounds that require stitches. Knowing when you need stitches is important: if a wound is deep, gaping, or continues to bleed even after 5-10 minutes of direct pressure, it likely needs professional closure. Urgent care providers can expertly clean and close wounds with stitches or sutures. They can also address concerns about potential infections, minimize scarring, and ensure your tetanus immunization is up-to-date. Getting stitches promptly at urgent care can prevent complications and promote proper healing.
Physical Examinations for School, Sports, and Work
Need a physical exam quickly? Urgent care is a convenient alternative when you can’t schedule a timely appointment with your primary care physician. Many urgent care clinics offer physicals required for school enrollment, sports participation, or employment. These examinations cover essential health assessments needed for various activities and requirements. Furthermore, if your employer mandates a drug screening as part of a pre-employment physical, urgent care centers can typically accommodate this as well. However, for routine vaccinations and preventative care, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider is still recommended.
Referrals to Medical Specialists
Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, especially when you’re unsure which specialist you need to see. Urgent care providers can act as a helpful bridge. They can evaluate your condition and provide guidance on the next steps, including referrals to specialists when necessary. Their knowledge of various medical conditions allows them to determine the appropriate type of specialist for your specific needs. Often, urgent care centers have established networks with specialists, which can facilitate a smoother and faster referral process, ensuring you receive the specialized care you require without unnecessary delays.
Prescriptions for Necessary Medications
Urgent care providers have the authority to prescribe medications. This is a significant benefit, as it means you can receive the prescriptions you need promptly, without waiting for a separate appointment with your primary doctor. From antibiotics to antivirals and other necessary medications, urgent care can address your immediate pharmaceutical needs. Even issues like tooth pain or infections, which might initially seem dental-related, can sometimes be addressed with prescriptions from urgent care to manage symptoms while you seek further specialized dental care.
Addressing Sexual and Women’s Health Concerns
For sensitive health matters like sexual health and certain women’s health issues, urgent care offers discreet and accessible services. Many urgent care centers provide testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you require STI testing or treatment for bacterial infections, urgent care can often prescribe antibiotics and initiate treatment. While some STIs might necessitate more comprehensive education and ongoing management best handled by a specialist, urgent care provides a crucial first step in diagnosis and immediate treatment. Additionally, urgent care can address various gynecological concerns and other women’s health issues, offering a convenient option for non-emergency situations. They can also provide referrals to OB/GYN specialists when needed for ongoing or specialized care.
Pediatric Urgent Care for Children’s Illnesses
When your child gets sick or injured unexpectedly, and your pediatrician’s office is booked or closed, urgent care provides a valuable healthcare option. Pediatricians are often in high demand, leading to appointment delays. For non-emergency situations requiring prompt attention for children, urgent care is an ideal solution. Whether it’s a sudden fever, ear infection, or minor injury, urgent care facilities are equipped to diagnose and treat children’s illnesses and injuries efficiently. Many offer walk-in appointments or virtual visits, making pediatric care more accessible when you need it quickly.
Treatment for Minor Fractures, Sprains, and Strains
Dealing with minor musculoskeletal injuries like sprained ankles, wrist fractures, or strained muscles doesn’t always require a trip to the emergency room. Urgent care centers are capable of diagnosing and stabilizing minor fractures, sprains, and strains. They can provide initial assessment, pain management, and immobilization, such as splinting or bracing. Depending on the severity of the injury, urgent care can either refer you to an appropriate specialist for follow-up orthopedic care or, in cases of more serious fractures, direct you to the emergency room for immediate and specialized treatment.
Additional Benefits of Choosing Urgent Care
Beyond the wide range of services, urgent care offers several other advantages:
- Convenience and Accessibility: Most urgent care clinics, like OSF OnCall Urgent Care, welcome walk-in patients without appointments. Many also offer the option to make online reservations, minimizing wait times. Some services are even available virtually, providing healthcare access from the comfort of your home.
- Insurance Acceptance: The majority of urgent care centers accept a wide range of insurance plans, making them a financially accessible healthcare option for many individuals and families.
When to Seek Emergency Care Instead
It’s crucial to remember that urgent care is not a substitute for emergency medical services or routine checkups with your primary care provider.
For true medical emergencies, such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, significant dizziness, confusion, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, or major trauma, immediate care at a hospital emergency department is essential. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening conditions that require immediate and intensive medical intervention.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
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