What exactly is an urgent care center?

Urgent care centers provide treatment for the non-life threatening illnesses and injuries that occur on a day-to-day basis. The center’s staff is equipped to handle a variety of illnesses and injuries, from colds and flu to lacerations and fractures. Patients seeking medical attention or advice do not have to make appointments at the hospital’s Urgent Care Center.

Should I use the urgent care center instead of my family doctor?

Ironton Urgent Care is a great option if you have an urgent medical condition that you feel needs immediate attention. If your family doctor is neither available, nor equipped to handle the situation, urgent care might be a suitable alternative. Ironton Urgent Care will work closely with patients to ensure that all appropriate records are transferred to their local family physician.

How does urgent care differ from the hospital’s emergency room?

There are several main differences between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room. The hospital’s Emergency Room is staffed 24-hours a day and is designed to treat patients suffering from life threatening injuries or serious illnesses. In contrast urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life threatening injuries (lacerations, mild fractures, etc.) and illnesses (colds, flu, migraines, etc.) in a patient friendly environment.

When should I utilize treatment at the Urgent Care Center?

Urgent Care should be used for any medical illness or injury that you deem as urgent. It is best to receive direct attention rather than waiting hours, days, or weeks for an appointment. Since the OLBH Urgent Care Center has extended evening hours beyond those of family doctors, it is an excellent option for late day, evening, and weekend medical problems.