When Should I Seek Treatment for Acute Care Injuries?

It is best to understand what kind of care you need and where to receive it when you are sick or injured. Sometimes you need care sooner, yet it is not an emergency, such as a minor sprain. Then there are other times when you should visit an emergency room immediately. Examples might be a severe fever or violent vomiting. Understanding the difference between urgent care and emergency care will help you get the proper care when you need it. And it will also save you money.

 

An urgent care facility is committed to providing you with acute care should severe illness, injury, or an urgent medical condition occur, if your issue is not risking disability or life-threatening consequences. An urgent care facility will deal with a wide range of issues and provide you with personalized, expedient care at a significantly lower cost than an emergency room visit.

 

Common Injuries Treated at an Urgent Care

 

  1. Fractures.
  2. Burns.
  3. Cuts and lacerations.
  4. A strain or a sprain of the knee, ankle, or shoulder.
  5. Injuries from car accidents.
  6. Injuries from falls.
  7. Neck and back pain.

 

Common Acute Care Illnesses Treated at an Urgent Care

 

  1. Flu(influenza).
  2. Strep throat.
  3. Bronchitis and Upper Respiratory Infections.
  4. Allergies and asthma.
  5. Mono.
  6. Ear Infections and other ENT concerns.
  7. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  8. Urinary tract infections.
  9. Sexually transmitted diseases.
  10. Kidney stones.

 

Examples of Acute Care Needs

 

  1. Acute Bleeding- Injuries that do not stop bleeding require immediate medical attention to address the issue before you go into shock. If you visit an urgent care center to address acute bleeding, they will first assess your injury to determine the correct treatment. If you require acute care to treat a deep wound, you might require stitches to close the wound and stop the bleeding.
  2. Acute Injuries- Strains, burns, sprains, or fractures can cause both short and long-term issues if not treated. Treatment options might include a bandage placed over a wound or burn to reduce your risk of infection and speed up your healing process, or a wrap, splint, or cast to immobilize a limb that has been injured and prevent the injury from getting worse. Treatment might also include prescribed medication to help relax your muscles and manage your pain.
  3. Digestive Symptoms- If you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting, you run the risk of developing complications, which include dehydration. If you have had diarrhea or have been vomiting for more than a few days, the urgent care providers will identify the underlying issue and provide proper medication to treat your issue. If you are dehydrated, you might also be given IV fluids to correct an electrolyte imbalance and other symptoms. If the source of your digestive issues is not immediately identifiable, they will order tests to determine if you have gallbladder disease, ulcers, gallstones, or some other digestive condition.
  4. Urinary Symptoms- Kidney or bladder infections will develop if bacteria get into your urinary tract. Common symptoms of urinary tract infection include incontinence or situational incontinence when you cough, sneeze, or engage in physical activity. If you suffer from pain or difficulty while urinating, or if you have seen blood in your urine, schedule an appointment promptly. Doing so will prevent the condition or infection from progressing.

 

Related Article: When to Visit Urgent Care for Acute Care Injuries