Seven Things Not To Do When You Go To An Urgent Care Clinic

Posted on: 27 June 2023

Urgent care clinics are great healthcare resources. However, you need to know about the things you shouldn't do when you go in for treatment at an urgent care clinic.

The following are seven things not to do when you go to an urgent care clinic. 

Thinking you're going to see a doctor

At an urgent care clinic, you're probably not going to see a doctor. It's typical for patients to be seen by a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant at an urgent care clinic. Fortunately, these healthcare professionals can treat many minor health issues just as well as a doctor can. 

Forgetting to bring information about your insurance

You're obviously going to want to use your health insurance coverage to pay for the costs of medical treatment at an urgent care clinic. This means that you should bring your insurance card and any information about your health insurance coverage when you visit an urgent care clinic. 

Assuming you won't have to wait at all

While urgent care clinics generally offer shorter lines than emergency rooms, this doesn't mean that you won't have to wait at all. Don't go to an urgent care clinic assuming that you won't have to wait or you'll probably end up being disappointed. 

Neglecting to check on the opening hours of the urgent care clinic in question

The opening hours of urgent care clinics can vary widely. That's why you need to make sure that the clinic you decide to go to will be open. This is especially true if you're going in for urgent care outside of standard business hours. 

Assuming that you can't make an appointment

A lot of urgent care clinics accept walk-ins. However, this doesn't mean that you can't make an appointment. In fact, some urgent care clinics require patients to make an appointment. Be sure to research whether you need an appointment before you go in for treatment. 

Trying to get your prescriptions refilled

A lot of patients make the mistake of assuming that urgent care clinics are good places to get prescriptions refilled. In fact, you're not supposed to get prescriptions refilled at urgent care clinics.

Urgent care clinics are for seeking initial treatment for a health issue that needs prompt attention. If you're trying to get a prescription refilled, you should make an appointment with your doctor. 

Not doing any research on the urgent care clinic that you go to

Urgent care clinics can differ in terms of the health care services they offer. Check the website of an urgent care clinic or give the clinic a call to discuss your particular medical needs and determine whether a particular urgent care facility can meet those needs. 

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