Some things in life just can’t be planned – like injury and illness. There may be times when you or your family need to seek unexpected medical care quickly. You can be prepared for the unexpected, however, by understanding your options for care before these situations arise.
Urgent care centers provide the best option to receive care quickly for a medical problem that requires immediate attention when your primary care physician is not available, or the condition is beyond the scope of your doctor’s office.
Conditions commonly treated at urgent care centers include colds and flu, wound care, burns, earaches, cuts and stitches, sprains and strains, minor broken bones, neck and back pain, and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Urgent care centers accept walk-in appointments, often have shorter wait times than nearby emergency rooms and typically charge lower co-payments.
“Urgent care centers are not intended as a substitute for your primary care physician, who knows you and your medical history,” said Peter Tan, M.D., internal medicine physician at Regal Medical Group Urgent Care-Arcadia. “Your family physician should always handle your routine care, such check-ups, vaccinations, prescriptions refills, preventive services and the management of your general health.”
The emergency room is for the treatment of life-threatening or very serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. Some examples of conditions that require emergency care include signs of heart attack or stroke, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; heavy, uncontrolled bleeding and seizures, convulsions, or loss of consciousness. In the event you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
“Being prepared means knowing the location of the closest emergency room and urgent care centers,” said Dr. Tan. “Find out what facilities take your insurance. Injuries and illness don’t wait.”
Regal Medical Group’s Arcadia Urgent Care Center (626) 446-8492.
