Urgent care centers are facilities that allow the public instant access to medical care whenever they need it. They are usually open seven days a week with extended hours. An urgent care facility works much like an emergency room in the sense that you can walk in, explain your medical need and receive help. Generally speaking, urgent care facilities are much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room, so they are beneficial to your wallet as well as your health.

Normally, something like a small cold or a slight fever doesn’t warrant a trip to an urgent care, but something like a sprained ankle, diarrhea, or a high fever will. However, if the person you are taking to urgent care has a worsening fever, a trip to the urgent care is a good idea, especially if you are unsure how to handle the situation. While not equipped for serious medical needs, an urgent care center can help with most non-life-threatening situations you may have.

In addition to simple check-ups, urgent care can also help with vaccines, physicals, work-related injuries, and even screening for drugs. X-rays are also available if the reason you are headed to an urgent care is for a broken or dislocated bone. Most of the staff found in an urgent care can offer services in family medicine, emergency medicine, and other types of specialty medical fields. In addition, they are open all year long, although working hours may differ.