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CareersWhen Should You Go To Urgent Care?
Knowing when to seek medical attention can be nerve-wracking. Especially when symptoms are severe and sudden but not life-threatening.
Urgent care centers bridge this gap. They provide immediate care for non-emergency situations. Yet, many people are unsure about urgent care timing. When should you go to urgent care instead of waiting for a primary care appointment?
When to Go to Urgent Care
Urgent care centers, like the ones at Northern Nevada Medical Group, in Sparks and Reno, are a vital part of the healthcare system. They offer a middle ground between primary care physicians and emergency rooms. Centers are designed to handle non-life-threatening conditions. They provide immediate care when your primary care doctor is unavailable.
Hours of operation for urgent care locations
Urgent care centers typically have extended hours. They operate during evenings, weekends and some holidays, making them convenient options for many patients. They are typically open seven days a week, often from early morning until late evening. This makes them a practical choice for those who need medical attention outside of regular office hours.
Exact hours vary from one center to another. It’s always a good idea to check.
Northern Nevada Urgent Care hours are:
- Weekdays 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Call for holiday hours
Urgent Care vs Emergency Room
Knowing the difference between urgent care and emergency department services is vital. Urgent care centers are designed to handle non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. If your condition is serious but not life-threatening and you can’t wait for a regular doctor’s appointment, urgent care can be the right choice.
On the other hand, emergency rooms are equipped to handle severe and life-threatening conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, head straight to the emergency room.
Visit urgent care
- Allergic reactions and asthma
- Colds and flu
- Ear and eye infections
- Falls, minor sprains, broken bones
- Persistent cough
- Minor cuts, burns and animal bites
- Sinus infections (headache or pressure)
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infection
Visit the emergency room
- Abnormal bleeding
- Concussion/confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever with rash
- Signs of possible heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath)
- Signs of possible stroke (slurred speech, facial drooping on one side, etc.)
- Serious burns and animal bites
- Severe cuts or wounds
Here are several other specific conditions that may warrant a trip to urgent care:
When you arrive at an urgent care center, you can typically expect shorter wait times compared to an emergency room. Most patients are seen within an hour but, of course, it can vary depending on the center’s patient volume and the severity of your condition.
What to bring to an urgent care visit
Before heading to an urgent care center, it’s important to gather some essential items and information to ensure a smooth visit and the best possible care.
- Bring your identification and insurance card. Urgent care centers accept most insurance plans but it’s a good idea to have your insurance handy.
- Prepare a list of your current medications, including any over-the-counter drugs or vitamin supplements. This information can help the healthcare provider understand the health history and avoid potential drug interactions.
- If you have any relevant medical records or recent test results, bring them along. This provides valuable context for your current health concerns and may help your treatment.
Follow-up instructions for urgent care visits
Once your urgent care visit is complete, follow up with your primary care physician. They’ll provide ongoing care and monitor your recovery. Urgent care is not a substitute for regular check-ups and preventive care with your primary care physician.
Your primary care doctor will also have a complete record of your health history. This is crucial for managing your overall health and preventing future illnesses.
Recognizing when to go to urgent care is crucial for effective healthcare management. It allows you to receive timely treatment for non-life-threatening conditions without overburdening local emergency departments.
Make a reservation
Visit Northern Nevada Urgent Care at one of its two locations in Sparks and Reno, NV. Urgent care departments are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Patients can book a reservation seven days a week and most insurance plans are accepted.
Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or other life-threatening symptoms.
