Exam Rooms at CareFull MD’s Urgent Care.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

When you think of CareFull MD’s Urgent Care, you think immediate access to finding relief from symptoms. Urgent care, however, is different from the Emergency Room, which is attached to a hospital with more specialist and treatment options.

Things to think about before deciding between Urgent Care and the ER

Ask yourself right away about the severity of your symptoms. If you are having severe issues, you may want to consider going to the ER, which is connected to a hospital, which has more services, like a CT Scan and MRI. Urgent Care centers can usually handle X-rays, stitches, minor fractures, infections, and basic lab work. Urgent Care can also make referrals to specialists for further treatment once your symptoms are diagnosed.

Severity of Symptoms:

Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Stroke symptoms
Severe bleeding
Loss of consciousness usually require the ER
Time-sensitive conditions
Possible heart attack
Stroke
Appendicitis (severe pain in the lower abdomen, where it’s hard to talk or move)
Severe allergic reactions (trouble breathing, worsening symptoms by the moment)
Head injuries should not wait

Availability of Services

CareFull MD’s Exam Room at the end of the hall.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Urgent Care explains the concern. If you come in to CareFull MD, their practitioner may tell you why the ER is recommended. For example: you may need a CT Scan, have a possible blood clot, or are experiencing dehydration requiring IV treatment. You may also need a cardiac evaluation depending on your symptoms. You can come to CareFull MD to check if you’re unsure of your symptoms.

Urgent Care stabilizes immediate issues if needed. You may be given oxygen, a nebulizer treatment for breathing issues, medications, bandaging, splinting, or basic treatment before transfer to the ER. At that point, transportation is determined. If the condition appears potentially dangerous, they may call an ambulance for you. If you are stable, they may tell you to go directly by private vehicle if someone can drive you.

Urgent Care may send to the ER your visit notes, vital signs, X-rays or lab results, and medication list that they determined while in their care. In some cases, CareFull MD’s Urgent Care calls ahead to the ER of your choice. However, this does not always mean you skip the waiting room or triage process. That is up to the Emergency Room and their schedule.

CareFull MD accepts most insurances including Medicaid and Medicare.

CareFull MD is a sponsor in A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory in the Health & Wellness section.