To the clinic or not

You’re sick. Not sick enough to warrant the cost of an emergency room visit, but the next opening at your doctor’s office isn’t until next month. Urgent care and walk-in clinics are here to fill the gap in the system, with nurse practitioners and physicians on staff to help. However, many people doubt the efficacy of a clinic and may delay treatment in order to see their regular doctor. Often, there’s no need to wait. Here are some common misconceptions about walk-in clinics:

Inexperienced staff: The American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine estimates that 20,000 physicians are currently practicing in walk-in clinics. Nurse practitioners and skilled physician assistants also are available to provide care in clinics.

No appointments: Most clinics operate on a first come, first served basis, but many will allow appointments via phone or can give you a time to return for treatment after a quick visit.

Emergencies only: Urgent care clinics are designed for non-emergency situations so that you can get in and out quickly, and can provide lab work, physicals, vaccinations and more. If you have a serious medical emergency, get to the ER.

X-rays aren’t available: Walk-in clinics have X-ray machines and many health issues can be diagnosed as easily (and quicker) than at the emergency room.