Is It Better to Visit Urgent Care or Utilize Telehealth?
Over the last several decades, there has been a literal explosion of healthcare options. With the advent of greater technology, telemedicine options have rapidly grown in popularity and accessibility. Similarly, while medical visits were once limited to family medicine practices, specialists, and emergency care, most people now have access to one or more urgent care centers conveniently located in their area. With so many options, many people find themselves conflicted over where to receive care. This is especially true for those who are unfamiliar with more modern options such as urgent care clinics and telemedicine. The reality is that each type of healthcare offers its own unique benefits and depending upon your unique situation, one type may be better suited to your needs than the other. Read on to learn more about office visits vs. virtual visits, so you can determine which option is the best fit for your needs.
What Is an Urgent Care Center?
In a nutshell, an urgent care center is a medical facility that provides immediate, non-emergency care for a variety of medical conditions. These centers are typically open outside of traditional office hours, including evenings and weekends, and are designed to offer convenient access to healthcare for minor illnesses and injuries that do not require emergency attention.
What Is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, is a form of healthcare that allows patients to receive medical services remotely through electronic communication. This can include phone calls, video conferences, or even secure messaging platforms. Telemedicine is an innovative approach that harnesses technology to provide medical consultations and diagnoses without the need for an in-person visit. Telehealth consultations are usually available 24/7, allowing patients a convenient option to seek medical advice and treatment anytime, anywhere.
What Factors Should I Consider When Deciding Whether to Utilize Telemedicine or Visit an Urgent Care For An Illness or Injury?
Urgent care clinics, as well as Telehealth services both offer convenient, time efficient, and cost saving options to receive healthcare when you need it most. Despite this, some situations are better suited for an in person visit, rather than a virtual visit. Consider the information below to help you make an informed decision the next time you find yourself in need of quick, affordable, accessible care.
When to Visit Urgent Care:
Physical Examinations and Procedures: If you require a physical examination, such as a sports physical, injury evaluation, testing for illness, or a medical procedure that needs to be done in person, visiting an urgent care center may be more appropriate. Some examples include vaccinations, strep tests, stitches for deep cuts, or X-rays for suspected fractures.
You Become Sick/Injured During the Evening or Weekend: Urgent care centers often have extended hours, including evenings and weekends, making them a suitable option if you become ill or injured outside of regular office hours. This is especially useful if your primary care physician's office is closed or if you cannot wait for an appointment. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries, such as cold and flu symptoms, ear infections, sprains, strains, minor burns, and minor fractures, so you can get the care you need when you need it most!
When to Utilize Telehealth:
Minor Illnesses and Injuries: Telehealth is an excellent option for minor ailments like cold and flu symptoms, sinus infections, allergies, or rashes. Basically, anytime treatment won't require you to be physically examined, telemedicine can provide a convenient alternative to a traditional office visit. With telemedicine, you can consult with a healthcare provider from the comfort of your own home and receive advice, prescriptions, or recommendations for further treatment, alleviating the need to leave your bed when you are feeling your worst.
You Have a Contagious Illness: Utilizing telehealth services can be especially beneficial if you have a contagious illness like the flu, RSV, or Covid-19. By opting for a virtual visit, you can avoid exposure to other individuals in a waiting room and help prevent the spread of germs. Telehealth also allows healthcare providers to assess your symptoms and provide guidance on managing your illness from the comfort of your own home.
Follow-up Appointments: Telehealth is a convenient option for follow-up appointments, especially for patients who have already been seen by a healthcare provider. Whether it's a post-operative check-up or a routine follow-up for a chronic condition, telehealth allows for easy communication and monitoring of progress without the need to physically visit a clinic or hospital.
You Live a Long Distance Away from A Medical Office: If you live in a rural area or a place where access to medical facilities is limited, telehealth can be a game-changer. Instead of traveling long distances to see a healthcare provider, you can simply schedule a virtual appointment and receive the necessary care from the comfort of your own home. This can save you time, money, and the hassle of transportation.
Are There Situations Where Neither Urgent Care Clinics Nor Telemedicine Will Be the Right Option To Receive Care?
Yes, while urgent care clinics and telemedicine are able to adequately handle a wide range of injuries, illnesses, vaccinations, and physicals, there are some situations that will require further medical interventions or specialized care. Here are some examples:
Severe Injuries or Accidents: In cases involving severe injuries or accidents, including but not limited to major trauma, deep cuts with heavy bleeding, broken bones protruding from the skin, or a loss of consciousness, it is crucial to seek immediate care at an emergency room. Urgent care clinics and telehealth are not equipped to handle life-threatening situations and may delay necessary treatment.
Mental Health Emergencies: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis, it is important to contact a mental health professional/helpline or call 911 immediately. Urgent care clinics and telehealth may not have the resources or expertise to provide the necessary mental health support in these situations.
Medical Emergencies: Certain medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe allergic reactions, or difficulty breathing, require immediate attention in an emergency room. Thus, if you are experiencing significant symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden loss of consciousness, or any other life-threatening symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or dial 911, as urgent care clinics are unable to provide adequate treatment in the case of an emergency.
Complex or Ongoing Health Issues: For complex or chronic health conditions that require ongoing management and monitoring, establishing a relationship with a primary care physician may be more suitable. Urgent care clinics are designed for immediate care and are not meant to serve as long-term healthcare providers.
In conclusion, healthcare has evolved significantly over the years to include a wide range of convenient services, including telehealth and urgent care. While these medical services play an important role in comprehensive healthcare, they will not be a one size fits all solution. Rather, when evaluating where to receive care, consider your needs and the severity of your situation, so you can receive the right care when you need it most.