Urgent CareStratford, CT

Understanding Urgent Care

According to the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine, urgent care medicine refers to the immediate provision of outpatient treatment for acute illness, chronic illness, and injury. As such, it requires a comprehensive wealth of knowledge to execute. At MD Care Now, we emphasize fostering candid, collaborative physician-patient relationships for maximum treatment success.

It is essential to note that urgent care has limits when it comes to medical care.. Instead, urgent care facilities act as a reliable intermediate point between primary care and the emergency room. Consequently, it is ideal for situations where the patient cannot be seen by their primary care physician (for whatever reason) or is dealing with a pressing medical concern that does not warrant a trip to the emergency room. While we are an urgent care center and walk-in clinic, we also offer primary care and can schedule appointments when necessary.

Preparing Yourself for Urgent Care

Since urgent care centers are walk-in facilities, they are often much more convenient for patients to visit than primary care physicians’ offices. Wait times are low, and no appointments are necessary. However, a little bit of preparation still goes a long way. If needed, patients can call the urgent care center ahead of time to reserve a specific time slot or get an estimated wait time.

It is also important for patients to know which urgent care center they would visit in case of an emergency ahead of time. Ideally, they should pick one that is in-network with their health insurance plan and specializes in any of their specific health needs. Furthermore, patients should know what to bring with them:

• A list of any major diagnoses.
• A list of any medications they are currently taking
• A photo ID
• Their health insurance card

When to Go to Urgent Care

Urgent care facilities are popular year-round, but especially during wintertime (cold and flu season) and springtime (allergy season). Colds and flu are two of the most popular acute upper respiratory infections. This group of contagious infections affects the nose, throat, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi. They can be either bacterial or viral, and many of their symptoms are mistaken for allergies.

Urgent care facilities can also treat general illness and injury. Many patients go to urgent care even when they do not know what is making them feel ill. Though each disease has its own set of symptoms, some of the most common include coughing, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and malaise. Additionally, common injuries treated by urgent care centers include auto accident injuries, cuts and lacerations, slip and fall accidents, and more.

General Wellness

Finally, urgent care centers are a reliable means of establishing general wellness. Experts recommend that everyone sees a physician for a wellness exam at least once annually. However, it can often be difficult for patients to make the trip to see their primary care doctor. Wait times are typically long, and appointments are usually booked well in advance. An urgent care physician can perform the same tests in a more time-efficient manner.

Patients should never neglect to get their annual physical exam, even if they do not feel ill. A physician can properly screen them for diseases, update their vaccinations, and determine any risk of future medical problems. This is especially true for at-risk populations, such as people who smoke regularly or those with high blood pressure. An urgent care physician can also perform physicals requested by third parties, such as for sports or employment.

Call Us Today

When it comes to your health, you should never delay. We at MD Care Now can help. Call us today at 1-203-683-0625 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. We also accept walk-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between urgent care and the emergency room?

Both facilities provide patients with immediate medical care. However, urgent care centers cannot treat patients with life-threatening injuries. Patients with more severe illnesses or injuries should go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

How should I choose an urgent care center?

There are several factors to consider when choosing an urgent care center. It is always best to know where you will be going before anything happens. If possible, choose a facility that is in-network, located nearby, has extensive hours of operation, and has providers experienced in working with your specific health needs.

How long should I expect to wait to see someone for my urgent care visit?

The Urgent Care Association’s 2016 Benchmarking Report found that 92% of urgent care clinics had wait times of 30 minutes or less. Furthermore, wait times tend to be even less for those who have made an appointment beforehand. However, it is essential to remember that these numbers may vary.

What can an urgent care physician do for me?

Urgent care physicians can prescribe medications, order lab tests, refer you to specialists, and more. They can also give personalized advice for your treatment path. While not all urgent care facilities offer the same services, urgent care physicians are all well-qualified to treat a patient’s pain and give lifestyle recommendations as needed.

Are urgent care appointments “first-come, first-serve”?

Sometimes. However, some patients may have medical conditions that are more pressing than others. As such, they may require a more immediate response. On the other hand, rooms for patients with simpler problems may become available more quickly. Additionally, some treatments may require exam rooms with special equipment. The order of appointments each day also depends on the specialists’ availability. As such, different patients may be waiting for different physicians (such as children for pediatricians, adults for internists, et cetera).