What is an urgent care center?
An urgent care centers provides treatment for the non-life threatening illnesses and injuries that occur on a day-to-day basis. They are equipped to serve the entire family, including children, and can handle a variety of conditions ranging from colds and fevers to lacerations and fractures. The majority of Medi-Station’s providers are Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine trained and have emergency room experience. It is best to receive direct attention rather than waiting hours, days or weeks to be seen. Since most urgent care centers have extended evening hours beyond those of a private Doctor’s office, they are excellent options for late day, evening and weekend medical problems. Unlike most physician offices, appointments are not necessary.
ER vs. Urgent care
Emergency rooms are staffed 24 hours a day and are designed to treat patients suffering from life threatening injuries or serious illnesses. In contrast, urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life threatening injuries (such as sprains, lacerations, etc.) and illnesses (fevers, migraines, allergic reactions, asthma, etc.). Urgent Care Centers normally have a patient friendly environment that is more similar to a private office. Urgent care centers generally have lower co-pays than that of an emergency room without the long wait times.
Can I use an urgent care center if I have a physician?
Many times illness and accidents strike at night or weekends. Medi-Station’s extended hours allow you and your family to get immediate care when your family doctor is not available. Medi-Station will ensure that all appropriate records are transferred to your family physician.
Health information privacy (HIPAA)
The HIPAA Privacy Rule creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information.