The show Myth Busters does a really great job of busting through common myths and bringing attention to the truth. However, they really only focus on science and culture-based myths — and these are just a small fraction of the myths that perpetuate in the world! There are a lot of myths floating around about urgent care centers. Maybe one day Myth Busters will do an episode on these myths, but until then, you can find them discussed below. 

Myth: Urgent care centers are just independent emergency rooms.

Are urgent care centers like hospital emergency rooms, but without the hospital attached? Not exactly. Urgent care centers are meant to treat situations that are urgent, but that are not exactly emergencies. If you cut your hand, for example, an urgent care center can treat you. They can also treat high fevers, broken bones, sprained ankles, and other situations that require quick treatment. But for the worse emergencies, like heart attacks, strokes, early labor, and seizures, you still need to head to the emergency room. Urgent care centers do not have the equipment or staff to handle these things. If you turn up to the urgent care center with an ailment that they can't manage, they will probably send you, by ambulance, to the ER.

Myth: Urgent care centers are for people without insurance.

Urgent care centers are not just for people without insurance. They are a good option for patients without insurance as the fees tend to be more affordable than those charged by an emergency room or hospital. However, urgent care centers usually accept all different health insurance plans, too. You might just have to pay a copay. Call the urgent care center in advance to find out if your insurance is accepted.

Myth: Urgent care centers don't take appointments.

These centers do accept walk-in visits, and walk-ins do often make up the vast majority of patients. However, if you have an ailment that needs prompt but not immediate treatment, you can typically call and make an appointment. This ensures you won't have to wait as long for treatment. A good example of this would be if you sprained your wrist playing handball. You know you need medical care, but you would rather go tomorrow and just ice and rest your wrist in the meantime. You can call and make an appointment at a time that's convenient for you.

Urgent care centers are an excellent choice for patients who need prompt, thorough care. To learn more information about urgent care, reach out to a company such as 75th St Injury & Illness Center.