Urgent care is a medical facility that offers outpatient care for illnesses and some injuries. Urgent care facilities have the ability to do the things a family physician can do. Plus, they generally tend to minor to moderate emergency situations. If you aren't sure whether you should go to urgent care, then this article can be helpful. 

You don't have a regular doctor

Urgent care can see people who don't have a regular doctor. If you don't have a regular doctor, and you are sick, it can take a long time for you to get in to see the doctor. You will first need to be scheduled for a new patient visit, and these are often booked out weeks or sometimes even months. However, you can go right into an urgent care facility and be seen that same day. 

You don't have insurance

If you have an illness or an injury that could justify a trip to the emergency room but could also be handled in an urgent care facility, then you may want to choose urgent care. In some areas, the urgent care will be less crowded and will be able to see you faster. Also, many people avoid the emergency department because they know it will cost them a lot of money. However, urgent care facilities are known for costing much less than the emergency departments. 

You need vaccinations for yourself or your children

If you or your children are due for vaccinations and don't have a regular doctor at this point in time, then urgent care can help. They can give the vaccinations, but you will want to be sure you have the shot record with you. This way, the record can be properly updated, and the facility will know what vaccinations you or your children are due for. The urgent care will also have annual vaccinations, such as flu shots. 

You are sick or hurt after hours

If you are sick or injured and your doctor can't get you in right away, then urgent care can see you. It won't matter that you already have a doctor, they will see you just the same as anyone without a doctor. Also, if you are sick or injured, and it is evening time, the weekend, or a holiday, then your doctor's office won't be open. You can go to urgent care and be treated for what ails you.

For more information, contact an organization like Western WI Health.