There are many conditions that can be treated at an urgent care facility, from injuries to illnesses. Urgent care is not appropriate for life-threatening conditions (if you experience life-threatening emergencies, call 911); however, for basic illnesses or injuries, urgent care is ideal as wait times are shorter and costs are lower.

Injuries Treated at Urgent Care

Many people who come into urgent care facilities come because they have an injury or have recently experienced trauma. Generally, the injury and trauma that causes someone to come into urgent care is not chronic. Instead, common injuries include:

• Fractures
• Whiplash
• Sprain or strain of the ankle, knee, or shoulder
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns
• Injury from falls
• Injury from car accidents
• Illnesses Treated at Urgent Care

In addition to injuries, many people come to urgent care facilities to be treated for illnesses. These illnesses are not life-threatening. Usually, they can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. Some of the most common illnesses that are treated in an urgent care facility include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast infections
• Pink eye
• Mono
• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Flu
• Ear Infection
• Strep throat
• Other Symptoms

Sometimes, you may not know exactly what is wrong. In this case, it is still a good idea to come to an urgent care facility if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:

• Swollen glands
• Rash
• Wheezing
• Sore throat
• Minor abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Other unexplained pain or swelling

When to go to Urgent Care

It's important to understand when you should go to an urgent care center. These facilities are not appropriate for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. If, for example, you have a cut that is extremely deep and will not stop bleeding, an emergency room may be a better option than the urgent care. It's also good to note that even if your injury or illness is on the list of most commonly treated items if it severe enough you may be transported to a local emergency room. Urgent care facilities are a good option if you are unable to get to a primary care physician, due to it being after hours.