There are many ways to find a good 24-hour emergency center. Before seeking emergency medical care, it must be determined if a 24-hour medical clinic or a hospital emergency room is more appropriate for the need at hand. If you are seeking treatment for an acute illness or minor injury, an emergency clinic may offer the necessary treatment.
For severe trauma or a life-threatening condition, a traditional hospital emergency room may offer better service than a 24-hour medical clinic. In cases where patients check into a walk-in clinic but end up needing additional services or longer care treatment, the 24-hour emergency clinic can transfer you to a hospital without hassle.
If a 24-hour medical center only provides diagnostic services and gives prescriptions, immediate relief for a serious injury most likely will not be available. This is where research into the level of care and services offered by the emergency clinic is crucial. If you have any uncertainty, a hospital emergency room is the best option.
For anyone seeking treatment for acute illnesses, fast service is generally desired as well as the ability to treat a range of conditions without having to send the patient to another treatment facility to complete the required care. Research into local 24-hour medical facilities has provided beneficial information to potential patients.
Traveling to the medical clinic because it is close may not always ensure receipt of proper service. Some urgent care clinics only treat a range of illnesses but are not equipped to handle injuries such as breaks or fractures. As you contact or research a 24-hour medical clinic, it is best to find out the treatment options available.
Knowing the types of treatment available is an indicator of the availability of medications to treat ailments. When making a list of 24-hour emergency centers within a specific radius, it is best to ask if medication is administered on-site for specific conditions or if patients are referred to a pharmacy or a hospital emergency room for anything more than over-the-counter medications.
Most 24 hour medical clinics have the capability to administer the same medications as a traditional hospital, and a reassurance of this is good to have for clinics that may be visited.
If there is any uncertainty as to which types of medications a walk-in clinic should have, or if the proper medications will be available when you need care, inquire about the types of conditions to be treated and the level of care given.