Signs You May Need to Visit an Urgent Care | Dr. Kevin Penwell (2024)

What are urgent symptoms?

Urgent symptoms are those that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention to prevent severe complications or long-term health issues. These include but are not limited to, severe pain or discomfort, sudden or significant loss of vision, deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop, high fevers, especially in children, and signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or abrupt changes in speech or mobility. Broken bones or injuries that require X-rays or direct medical intervention also fall under the category of urgent symptoms. Understanding these signs is vital to seeking the necessary care promptly, ensuring quick recovery, and minimizing the risk of worsening conditions.

What kind of doctor will treat me at an urgent care?

At urgent care centers, patients are typically treated by a variety of healthcare professionals, including board-certified doctors who specialize in emergency medicine or family care. These physicians possess a broad range of knowledge that enables them to address an array of urgent health issues efficiently. In addition to doctors, urgent care facilities often have nurse practitioners and physician assistants on staff, who are qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform procedures under the supervision of a doctor. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care for their urgent medical needs in a timely and effective manner.

Which medical conditions qualify as urgent?

Medical conditions that qualify as urgent are those that require immediate care but are not severe enough to necessitate an emergency room visit. These conditions can range widely, encompassing various acute illnesses and injuries. For instance, respiratory conditions such as moderate asthma attacks, bronchitis, and flu symptoms often need urgent medical attention to manage discomfort and prevent complications. Skin conditions including moderate burns, cuts requiring stitches, or severe rashes also fall into this category, as do gastrointestinal issues like food poisoning or severe dehydration. Additionally, urinary tract infections, sprained or mildly broken limbs, and non-life-threatening allergic reactions are examples of situations that warrant a visit to urgent care. Recognizing these conditions as urgent is essential for getting prompt treatment, which not only aids in quicker recovery but also helps in averting more serious health issues down the line.

What are the benefits of visiting an urgent care clinic?

Additional Services You May Need

▸ Urgent Care Services
▸ Illness + Injuries
▸ On Site Lab + X-Ray
▸ Helpful Health
▸ Motor Vehicle Accidents
▸ Drug Testing
▸ MRO
▸ UTI Treatment
▸ Employment Physicals
▸ Workers Comp
▸ Strep Throat Treatment
▸ Pregnancy Testing
▸ Blood Pressure Testing
▸ Urinalysis
▸ Mononucleosis Treatment
▸ Suture Removal
▸ Respiratory Syncytial Virus
▸ OccMed