Many people go to the hospital when they could actually be treated at an urgent care center. Their conditions are not critical, and they could be seen by a regular doctor or nurse practitioner. If you do not want to waste valuable medical resources, find a Cumming urgent care and family medicine center in your neighborhood when you are sick and your family physician is unavailable. Pose many targeted questions if this is your first visit ever. Are you wondering what you should ask? Here are some examples of frequently asked queries.
1. Do You Accept My Insurance Plan?
Usually, urgent care centers accept a wide range of insurance companies. It does not hurt to ask the receptionist for specifics, just in case there are exceptions. You should also inquire if all their services are covered.
2. Can You Help Me Now or Do I Need to Make an Appointment?
Urgent care offices are walk-in facilities. It is a first-come-first-serve situation, unless someone’s life is at stake. Everyone should understand that if a patient suddenly gets a heart attack in the waiting room, the staff will provide medical attention to this individual first.
3. Which Services Do You Provide?
Although urgent care centers are not as well equipped as a hospital, they can offer a wide range of services to people who are sick or have minor medical emergencies. The list usually includes treatment for problems such as sore throats, sinus infections, earaches, minor burns, skin rashes, allergic reactions, back pain, wrist or ankle sprains, and broken bones.
4. Do I Come Back for a Follow-up Visit?
Patients who were treated should follow up with their family physician to ensure that the problem has been resolved. People who do not have a regular doctor can always return to the original urgent care center for a follow-up visit. Do not go elsewhere as they do not have your file.
5. What Happens if an Injury or Condition Is Too Severe?
Sometimes, the severity of a condition does not come to light until an examination is completed. Fractures and broken bones can be detected through X-rays. Only after images were taken can a medical professional determine if you can be treated at the center or need to go to a hospital. A reliable Cumming urgent care provider refers such patients right away to prevent further harm and discomfort.