Walk In ClinicStratford, CT

The Purpose of a Walk In Clinic

It can sometimes be challenging to get to the doctor’s office when you need to. Appointments are often booked months in advance, and if you do get an appointment, wait times can be prohibitively long. Walk in clinics, also known as retail clinics, can be useful in such situations.

Like urgent care centers, walk-in clinics act as a middle ground between emergency rooms and doctor’s offices. Still, it is crucial for patients to understand the key differences between the three. Anyone with a life-threatening injury or condition should make their way to a hospital emergency room right away. These tend to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are staffed to handle the most complex cases. All other, non-life-threatening conditions can be treated at an urgent care facility or walk-in clinic.

When to Go to a Walk In Clinic

As mentioned earlier, walk-in clinics are a quick and easy way to receive quality medical care without needing an appointment. These facilities are typically staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They can treat many common health conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Cough and congestion
• Ear pain
• Eye redness, discharge, or itchiness
• Mild flu-like symptoms
• Painful urination
• Rashes without fever
• Sore throat

Walk-in clinics are also an excellent option for patients whose conditions are not severe enough to warrant a trip to an urgent care facility. It is always best to designate a walk-in clinic ahead of time, so patients know where to go if anything happens. Patients should let their providers know about any medications, vitamins, supplements, allergies, previous medical procedures, and past surgeries.

Immunizations

At MD Care Now, we also offer immunizations at our walk-in clinics. Immunizations, also known as vaccines, come in various forms to teach the immune system how to strengthen itself against harmful germs. They may protect against diseases caused by either viruses or bacteria.

Keeping up with one’s vaccine schedule is critical, as it protects both the patient and the people around them (particularly those who are too immunocompromised to get vaccinated). Plus, with many serious diseases, it is safer to get immunized via a vaccine than from getting ill. Vaccines must also undergo extensive safety testing and evaluation before approval, so patients can be rest assured that they are safe.

General Wellness

Walk-in clinics can also perform wellness exams, which every patient should undergo at least once a year. These annual physicals allow physicians to look out for any warning signs of poor health or oncoming problems. They may also be necessary for school, sports, work, and more.

Generally, it is best to schedule these exams with a primary care physician every time, as this will allow them to establish a baseline to compare the patient’s health with over time. However, if this is not possible, then a walk-in clinic can also perform a wellness exam with both efficacy and swiftness.

Telemedicine

We also offer telemedicine for our patients’ convenience. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, telemedicine is the practice of using technology to deliver medical care remotely. Telemedicine differs from telehealth in that it refers specifically to remote clinical services. In contrast, telehealth encompasses both clinical and non-clinical services.

Patients who choose to utilize our telemedicine services can receive the benefits of our services without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. This has the added benefit of reducing the risk of spreading or being exposed to any other diseases. During our telemedicine services, we can help with prescription refills, injury care, and more.

Call Us Today

A walk in clinic can help take care of a wide array of non-urgent health needs. We at MD Care Now can help. Call us today at 1-203-683-0625 to learn more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How qualified are physician assistants and nurse practitioners?

Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) both have the advanced clinical training necessary to diagnose and treat patients, perform complex procedures, and prescribe medications. However, PAs must work under the supervision of a physician, surgeon, or other healthcare workers. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses, meaning they can work independently.

How do walk-in clinics ensure my quality of care?

At MD Care Now, we devote ourselves to providing you with the efficient and expeditious health treatment you deserve — no appointment necessary. As such, each of our choices is guided by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. We also use an electronic health records system to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

Can a walk-in clinic help me with my chronic condition?

Yes, but only to an extent. We can provide screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar and recommend lifestyle changes as fit. However, if your condition does not improve after our initial meeting, we may recommend seeing your primary care physician or a specialist.

Do I need to have a primary care physician to go to a walk-in clinic?

No, you do not. However, we strongly recommend that each of our patients has a primary care physician. Walk-in clinics are not meant to replace regular doctor visits but to supplement them as necessary.

What if I learn that I need more urgent treatment once I arrive?

If you need more urgent care than initially thought, then we may be able to treat you at our urgent care facility. If you are dealing with an emergency situation, we will help direct you to the nearest emergency room.