With emergency rooms struggling with short staff and long wait times, many centers are asking those with non-emergent health issues to consider options outside of the Emergency Department, such as urgent care clinics. It’s important that patients know what facility is the best option for their medical needs, especially for those that need prompt attention.
When to Visit the Emergency Room
Emergency rooms (ER) are found at the local hospital and are open 24/7. The ER is best equipped for complex and critical needs, such as life-threatening injuries and illnesses, including:
- Severe head injuries
- Acute chest pains
- Severe bleeding
- Sudden blurred vision or weakness
- Vulnerable groups with serious medical issues
When it comes to emergency rooms, they do not function on a first-come, first-serve basis. They will prioritize patients with the most severe medical conditions, meaning longer wait times for those with minor to moderate conditions. That’s why those with non-emergent health issues should opt for treatment elsewhere, such as an urgent care center.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics have extended hours outside of a primary care doctor and provide prompt care for common injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, including:
- Shortness of breath that is not life threatening
- Fractures and lacerations
- Dizziness or weakness that is not life threatening
- Burns that are not life threatening
- Mild allergic reactions
- Head and eye injuries that are not life threatening
- Atypical chest pain that is not life threatening
- Abdominal pain that is not life threatening
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Sports injuries, such as knee, back, and shoulder injuries
- Cold, COVID-19, and flu symptoms
- Sinus and ear infections
If you can’t meet with your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic can be a good alternative for moderate injuries and illnesses. They typically have shorter wait times and cost less than emergency room visits. It also allows emergency departments to use their staff and resources for those with life-threatening conditions.
Urgent Care in Whatcom County
Any sickness, injuries, or illnesses that are not life-threatening can be seen at Care Medical Group. We are proud to be one of the only credentialed clinics providing Urgent Care in Whatcom County with both X-rays and labs on site. Our clinic is located at 4043 Northwest Avenue, just off the WTA Green Line, and we are open Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00.
Most medical care is available on a walk-in basis. During times when there are many people needing urgent care, wait times may be longer and we ask for your patience as every patient deserves quality medical attention. Since the number of people waiting and their needs are diverse, Care Medical Group can only offer a rough estimate of how long the wait may be at any given time. Our waiting room offers many amenities to enhance your experience including warm beverages, basic entertainment, and a courtesy call system. If estimated wait times are longer than an hour, our Front Desk team will ask you to provide your cell phone number and will call or text you when you are next in the queue.
For more information about our urgent care, visit https://caremg.com/urgent-care/.