Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Fractures
Broken bones are a common injury, especially among children. However, when it comes to broken bones, many people are still unsure of whether they should seek emergency care or head to an urgent care center. Some people don’t realize that both types of facilities have orthopedic specialists on staff who will help diagnose and treat bone fractures. If you have sustained a fracture and aren’t sure which type of facility to visit, here is a quick guide on how to tell if an urgent care center is right for your needs. First and foremost, go with your gut: Are you in pain? If so, it’s likely that your fracture needs medical attention now rather than later.
When Should You Go to an Urgent Care and What Do They Treat? If your doctor’s office is closed, should you head to urgent care or call 911? The answer depends on whether your injury is a true emergency. Although urgent care clinics have expanded in recent years, there are only certain conditions that they are capable of treating. Some things you would take to an urgent care center include insect bites and colds or flu, but there are also quite a few things that they will refer out to other medical professionals. This includes things like cancer screenings, emergency surgeries, X-rays and lab tests. If you’re experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath for example, it’s best to get yourself checked out immediately by 911.
Fractures come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from simple breaks to compound fractures that require surgical intervention. Some fractures may not even be noticeable until later stages, so it’s important to be aware of a few key factors if your bone has been fractured. Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Fractures: Here are some common questions about whether or not you should go to an urgent care for a fracture injury.
If a recent fall, accident or car crash has resulted in a broken bone (fracture), you might be wondering if it’s worth paying extra to visit an urgent care center. The short answer is no — most fractures need to be evaluated by your doctor anyway, and urgent care may not offer any benefits for non-severe fractures. Additionally, going to an urgent care facility instead of your primary care physician could waste time and money and delay treatment. Read on for more info about whether it’s appropriate to visit an urgent care center for a fracture and when is it appropriate to visit your doctor instead.
