Is Urgent Care the Same as a Walk-in Clinic?
If you are looking for urgent care or a walk-in clinic, where top-quality treatment is offered, then Niagara Falls Urgent Care in Niagara Falls, NY is the right place for you. We are conveniently located at 3117 Military Road Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Walk-ins are welcome! For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online.
Table of Contents:
What is the difference between a walk-in clinic and urgent care?
What does urgent care treat?
What is considered a walk-in clinic?
What’s more expensive, urgent care or a walk-in clinic?
An urgent care clinic, also known as an ambulatory clinic, is a health care facility that provides services for non-emergency medical needs. Unlike a traditional medical office, urgent care clinics do not offer appointments; instead, they provide quick, convenient care on a walk-in basis. An urgent care clinic can provide services such as X-rays, lab tests, and the diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries and illnesses. Depending on the type of urgent care clinic, patients may also receive referrals to specialists or other medical facilities for more complex care.
Walk-in clinics and urgent care clinics are both types of medical clinics that can provide immediate care for common illnesses and injuries; however, a walk-in clinic generally provides fewer services than an urgent care clinic. The reason for this difference in service is due to the staff onsite; walk-in clinics are typically staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants, whereas urgent care clinics are typically staffed by licensed physicians.
Furthermore, the equipment available at these clinics varies; urgent care centers generally have more advanced technology and medical equipment, which allows them to handle more complex concerns than walk-in clinics can.
Urgent care can treat virtually any illness or injury that is not considered a medical emergency or a life-threatening or limb-threatening situation. These may include:
• Allergic reactions and asthma
• Cuts and burns
• Bug bites and animal bites
• Falls, sprains, strains, and broken bones
• Colds and flu
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Ear infections
• Sinus pressure and sinus infections (sinusitis)
• Bronchitis and strep throat
In addition, most urgent care centers offer a variety of lab services, although the services available vary from clinic to clinic. These may include:
• Blood tests
• STD tests
• Urinalysis
• Drug tests and screenings
• Flu tests and rapid flu tests
• Strep tests
Urgent care clinics also offer preventative care services, which may include any of the following:
• Vaccinations and flu shots
• Physicals (school, sports, or annual)
• Drug screening
Finally, urgent care clinics can treat a variety of symptoms, with or without a diagnosis; common symptoms treated include:
• Rashes and itching
• Coughing (and dry cough), sneezing and wheezing
• Sore throat and strep throat
• Body and muscle aches
• Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Headaches
• Other unexplained pain or swelling
Walk-in clinics are medical facilities that provide urgent care without an appointment, typically on a first-come, first-served basis. These clinics offer a wide range of services, including urgent care, diagnostic testing, and laboratory services, and can diagnose and treat a variety of common symptoms and ailments. Some walk-in clinics offer extended hours, allowing patients to receive care on weekends and evenings.
The price patients pay for care at an urgent care clinic is very similar to the cost of the same service offered at a walk-in clinic; there may be minor differences, but the price will essentially be the same. The price becomes much more noticeable when comparing urgent care or walk-in care with emergency care offered at hospitals; when treating the same condition at the ER, walk-in and urgent care clinics are frequently a quarter of the cost, making healthcare for minor concerns much more affordable.
If you are looking for a quality and trusted urgent care clinic in Niagara Falls, NY, come to Niagara Falls Urgent Care. Contact us today to book an appointment, or simply walk into our clinic conveniently located at 3117 Military Road Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. We serve patients from Niagara Falls NY, Lewiston NY, Sanborn NY, Walmore NY, Tonawanda NY, Sanborn NY, Model City NY, Youngstown NY, Ransomville NY, and Grand Island NY. We look forward to serving you!
