You may have heard of urgent care centers. They have been open in the U.S. for more than 30 years and treat more than 71 million patients each year. But do you know what to expect from these centers?
Urgent care centers bridge the gap between primary care physicians and the emergency room and have experienced doctors, medical clinicians and nurses on staff. Their staffs treat many common illnesses, injuries and conditions and most centers have extended weekday and weekend hours and often shorter wait times than emergency rooms.
Urgent care centers are also an option for travelers, or for those who are new to town and don't yet have a primary care doctor and need immediate medical care.
What should I expect when I visit an urgent care center?
- A great place to see a doctor or trained medical clinician after hours and on the weekend, for routine health conditions that require urgent medical attention
- Care delivered in a safe, comfortable environment similar to most primary care offices, and usually open at times when many doctors' offices are closed
- Often found in a retail area or as a stand-alone center in close proximity to neighborhoods and community centers
- Physicians, physician assistants, nurses and physical therapists able to treat a wide range of non-life threatening illnesses and injuries
In summary, urgent care centers offer:
- Easy Access: Locations near residences and businesses
- Quality: Expert care from trained urgent care physicians and clinical team committed to improving health and well-being
- Convenience: Walk-in, no appointment needed, extended hours in many locations, visits that often last on average around 60 minutes
Many urgent care providers offer convenient walk-in appointments with extended hours, such as Humana-owned Concentra Urgent Care. When urgent care is right for you, visit Humana.com and use the Physician Finder Plus tool to locate an in-network provider near you.
