Items filtered by date: August 2024

Deciding whether to visit an urgent care center or an emergency room depends on the severity of the medical issue. Urgent care centers handle non-life-threatening conditions such as minor fractures, sprains, cuts requiring stitches, burns, infections, and flu symptoms. They are equipped to provide quick and efficient care with shorter wait times and lower costs compared to emergency rooms. Emergency rooms are designed for life-threatening conditions and severe injuries. Situations such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, and major trauma require the advanced medical equipment and specialized staff available in an ER. These facilities operate 24/7, and are equipped to handle critical and complex cases. Understanding the appropriate facility for your needs can save time, reduce costs, and ensure you receive the proper care. If you have a non-life-threatening issue, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center for the right level of medical attention efficiently and effectively.

For more information about the role of urgent care at an urgent care center, contact one of our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide this type of care in an accessible, expert manner.

Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are medical facilities designed to provide immediate, non-emergency care for patients. These centers bridge the gap between primary care physicians and emergency rooms, offering a convenient alternative for individuals needing prompt medical attention without the severity warranting a visit to the emergency department.

Urgent care centers function as walk-in clinics, meaning no appointment is necessary. They typically operate with extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate patients outside regular office hours. Staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, these centers are equipped to handle a variety of medical issues.

Urgent care centers address a broad spectrum of conditions such as minor fractures, sprains, cuts requiring stitches, severe colds and flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and other non-life-threatening ailments. They also offer diagnostic services like X-rays and laboratory tests, facilitating quick diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, many urgent care centers provide routine services such as vaccinations, physical exams, and travel medicine.

Choosing to go to an urgent care center can be advantageous for several reasons. First, it can save time compared to the often lengthy wait times in emergency rooms. Second, the cost of care at an urgent care center is generally lower than that of an emergency room visit, making it a more economical option for non-emergency situations. Third, urgent care centers offer convenience with their extended hours and walk-in policy, making healthcare accessible when primary care providers are unavailable.

How long will I have to wait at an urgent care center? 

Wait times at urgent care centers are typically shorter than emergency rooms, but can vary depending on the number of patients and the severity of their conditions.

Are urgent care centers open on weekends and holidays? 

Many urgent care centers are open on weekends and holidays, offering extended hours to accommodate patients outside of regular office hours.

Can urgent care centers provide prescriptions? 

Yes, urgent care centers can prescribe medications as needed based on the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Pediatric treatment at an urgent care facility ensures that your little ones receive compassionate and expert attention. From routine check-ups to specialized treatments, urgent care facilities prioritize the health and well-being of your children. Children have unique healthcare needs that require specialized expertise and gentle care. Urgent care pediatric services include well-child visits, vaccinations, developmental screenings, acute illness management, and ongoing health education for parents. Urgent care facilities believe in building trusted relationships with families to promote healthy growth and development in children. Healthcare providers are experienced in addressing pediatric concerns, from newborn care and childhood illnesses to behavioral health and chronic conditions. If you have a child needing medical treatment, it is suggested that you visit an urgent care center.

For more information about pediatric services at an urgent care center, contact our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide expert care in a variety of areas for the younger members of your family.

Pediatric Services

Pediatric care at an urgent care facility encompasses a wide range of medical services designed to address the health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. This specialized care focuses on both preventive and acute medical issues, ensuring that young patients receive timely and effective treatment.

Urgent care facilities are equipped to handle a variety of pediatric concerns, making them a convenient option for parents. Common reasons to bring a child to an urgent care center can include minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, and fractures, which require prompt attention but are not severe enough for an emergency room visit. These facilities also treat common illnesses like colds, flu, ear infections, and strep throat, providing quick relief and preventing complications.

In addition to treating acute conditions, pediatric urgent care centers often offer preventive services. These can include routine vaccinations, physical exams for school or sports participation, and screenings for developmental milestones. Such preventive care is vital for monitoring a child's growth and development, catching potential issues early, and ensuring overall health and well-being.

Parents may choose to bring their child to an urgent care facility for several reasons. The convenience of walk-in appointments and extended hours, including evenings and weekends, makes it easier to get care without waiting for a scheduled visit with a primary care physician. Additionally, urgent care facilities typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms, reducing stress for both the child and the parent.

By providing comprehensive and timely care, pediatric urgent care facilities offer a valuable resource for parents, ensuring that children receive the necessary medical attention quickly and efficiently. This approach helps manage health concerns effectively while accommodating the busy schedules of modern families.

Revitalize your body with IV hydration and vitamin infusion therapies at an urgent care center. These treatments replenish essential nutrients and hydration levels, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream, ensuring rapid absorption and optimal effectiveness. Whether recovering from illness, dehydration, jet lag, or seeking an energy boost, IV therapies can restore your vitality and well-being. Administered by experienced healthcare professionals in a comfortable and relaxing environment, a variety of formulations are available to meet your specific needs, including hydration solutions, vitamin cocktails, and immune-boosting blends. It is suggested that you experience the benefits of IV hydration and vitamins by visiting an urgent care center.

For more information about the importance of wellness care at urgent care, contact one of our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide expert wellness checks to help maintain your health. 

Wellness Visits

Urgent care centers play a pivotal role in healthcare, not just for emergencies but also for routine wellness visits. These facilities offer convenient, timely, and comprehensive healthcare services that cater to a wide range of medical needs, including preventive care.

One of the significant advantages of urgent care centers is their accessibility. Unlike traditional primary care offices that often require appointments scheduled weeks in advance, urgent care centers usually offer walk-in services or same-day appointments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for busy individuals and families who may struggle to find time for regular check-ups.

During a wellness visit at an urgent care center, patients can receive various preventive services such as vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks, and routine blood tests. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any health concerns with a healthcare professional, receive personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and get referrals to specialists if necessary.

Another benefit of urgent care centers is their extended hours of operation. Many centers are open evenings and weekends, making it easier to fit a wellness visit into your schedule without disrupting work or school commitments. This accessibility ensures that patients do not have to neglect their health due to time constraints.

For individuals who do not have a regular primary care provider or need immediate attention for non-emergency issues, visiting an urgent care center for a wellness visit can be an excellent choice. If you have ongoing health concerns or need more specialized care, the healthcare professionals at urgent care centers can provide the necessary referrals.

How long does a wellness check at urgent care take? 

A wellness check at an urgent care facility typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the services provided and any additional tests required.

What should I bring to my wellness check at urgent care? 

Bring your identification, insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records to your wellness check at urgent care.

Will I see a doctor during my wellness check at urgent care? 

During a wellness check at an urgent care facility, you may see a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, all of whom are qualified to conduct the examination and provide care.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sachse, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your health needs.

An urgent care facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including X-ray, lab, and ultrasound services, to provide accurate and efficient assessments. Thorough evaluations enable an urgent care center to develop precise treatment plans tailored to your needs. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in identifying and diagnosing various medical conditions. X-rays help evaluate bone fractures, joint injuries, and internal organ abnormalities. State-of-the-art ultrasound technology allows visualization of soft tissues, organs, and blood flow patterns, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as gallstones, ovarian cysts, and vascular issues. In addition to imaging services, an on-site laboratory enables an urgent care center to perform a wide range of tests, from blood work and urinalysis to rapid diagnostic tests for infections and other health concerns. These diagnostic tools empower healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care and treatment options. It is suggested that you contact an urgent care facility if you want to prioritize accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort in diagnostic testing. 

For more information about diagnostic services provided at an urgent care center, contact our healthcare professionals from Summit Health Family & Urgent Care. Our healthcare professionals provide several vaccinations for your immediate needs.

At an urgent care center comprehensive diagnostic services are offered, including X-ray imaging, ultrasound, and laboratory testing, to provide thorough and accurate healthcare assessments. The healthcare team is committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic services that aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various medical conditions.

X-ray imaging, also known as radiography, uses electromagnetic radiation to create detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues within the body. X-rays are valuable for diagnosing fractures, joint injuries, lung conditions, and digestive issues. X-ray services at an urgent care facility include bone X-rays for fractures, joint injuries, and arthritis, and chest X-rays for lung conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. Abdominal X-rays are taken to assess digestive issues and identify abnormalities, and dental X-rays are used for dental examinations and detecting oral health problems.

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs and structures. Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and commonly used in obstetrics, cardiology, and various medical specialties. Urgent care ultrasound services include obstetric ultrasound for prenatal care and monitoring fetal development, and abdominal ultrasound to assess organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas. Cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiography, is used for evaluating heart function and detecting abnormalities, and vascular ultrasound can assess blood flow and detect vascular conditions.

Laboratory testing plays an important role in diagnosing diseases, monitoring health indicators, and guiding treatment decisions. Laboratory services at an urgent care include a wide range of tests and analyses, such as: blood tests, urine tests, cultures, and sensitivity testing for bacterial infections and tissue analysis for cancer diagnosis and staging.

There are various benefits of comprehensive diagnostic services including accurate diagnosis for effective treatment planning, timely intervention and early detection of health issues, and personalized care based on individual patient needs. Continuity of care is vital to ensure seamless coordination between imaging, testing, and healthcare interventions.

How long does it take to get results from diagnostic tests at urgent care? 

The time to receive test results varies, with some rapid tests providing results within minutes, while others, like blood tests, may take a few days. The staff will inform you about the expected timeline for your specific tests.

Can urgent care handle complex diagnostic tests?

Urgent care centers are equipped to handle many common diagnostic tests, but for more complex or specialized tests, they may refer you to a hospital or specialized laboratory. They can provide an initial assessment and direct you to the appropriate facility if needed.