How Walk In Clinics Are Keeping Flu Sufferers Out Of The ER

Autumn supplies more than dropping temperatures and falling leaves: the change from summer to fall brings considerable changes in your overall health, too. Studies indicate that approximately 200,000 United States citizens are hospitalized from the flu and its complications alone. However, more than 70% of flu cases happen during fall and winter, which is a clear indication of autumn’s impact on peoples’ health.

The drastic fall of temperatures suppresses the body immune system, which causes it to be more susceptible to various infections. Other factors such as not visiting a walk in clinic for immediate diagnosis play a critical role in flu deterioration. While entering fall this year, here are some of the reasons you should seek flu treatment from the nearby walk in clinic.

1. SHORTER WAIT TIMES

Those patients with minor injuries visiting an emergency facility know how long it takes before they can get specialized attention. This can be frustrating for patients who need immediate medical attention. Even though you might not be sick enough to warrant emergency services, you deserve prompt care to make you feel better.

Luckily, walk in clinics provide the quickest access to services as compared to other healthcare centers. Shorter wait times allow these facilities to serve a considerable number of patients in a short time. The best part is that you don’t need to call to make an appointment.

2. FLEXIBLITY

To access specialized medication in the United States, you often have to book an appointment in advance. Walk in clinics, on the other hand, are open to all the patients at hours designed to work with your schedule. Most of the urgent care centers nearby are open on weekends, which is a welcome bonus.

3. CONVENIENT POSITIONING

Urgent care facilities are meant to help people deal with common illnesses without having to make a trip to the emergency facility. As the busy season arrives, rest assured that most urgent care centers are located in neighborhoods and residential estates for quick access. The strategic and convenient positioning of these facilities gives people chances to access them on their way home from work or school.

4. HIGH-QUALITY CARE

Some people have the perception that urgent care centers are operated by medical trainees or amateur physicians. This is not the case. Most walk in facilities are operated by experienced medical professionals who have handled thousands of patients throughout their career. You can be sure that your case will be handled professionally and efficiently. If physicians think your case is special, they won’t hesitate to send you to the nearby emergency facility for specialized care.

5. EXTENDED WORKING HOURS

While many think of the flu as a seasonal illness, this isn’t the case. It’s actually the social changes in the fall that extend the reach of the flu virus. At any given time during the year, an individual might need medical attention. This is particularly problematic during the holidays or at night.

However, some walk in clinics are open deep into the night. They are also open during weekends and holidays to accommodate people whose doctors might be absent. It is also important to highlight that they have on-site lab services, which means that patients can be tested and diagnosed at night.

6. COST-EFFECTIVE SERVICES

There is no doubt that the cost of healthcare has gone beyond what many people can afford. Trends indicate that the cost of primary healthcare will continue to dig deep into Americans pockets. Luckily, walk in clinics have been structured such that they provide professional health services at pocket-friendly prices.

These are some of the benefits that you can get from urgent care facilities around the country. As fall is approaching, you have to be prepared to deal with drastic weather changes and infections that accompany it. Rely on Care Station Medical to help you when flu season arrives.