If you think you may need immediate medical attention, knowing the differences between a clinic near USC and a hospital emergency room may you save time and money.  It may also prevent the ailment from becoming exacerbated into a full-blown trauma.

At the clinic near USC, they know how significant it is for people facing injury and illness to know precisely when and where to look for medical assistance.  Whether you have a serious medical condition like a seizure or slurred speech or a minor issue like a broken arm or persistent vomiting understanding these distinctions will not only help you obtain quality medical care as soon as possible, it may even save your life.

URGENT CARE VS. EMERGENCY ROOM: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

While searching for quick, safe, and adequate medical attention, lots of people find it hard to decide if a visit to the trauma center (emergency room) or a critical care facility is the best game plan.

By and large, most healthcare professionals recommend urgent care services for patients suffering injuries or illnesses that are not considered life-threatening— like minor cuts, scrapes, and flu-like symptoms. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals typically recommend the ER for more severe sicknesses and wounds that require immediate medical attention, like chest pains, uncontrollable bleeding, facial lacerations, and severe eye injuries.

Another significant difference is that urgent care centers accept pre-scheduled appointments, whereas ERs typically do not. If you decide it would be best to acquire immediate medical attention for a health issue that is not life-threatening, Medical center near USC appointments are available by phone or email, and you can often see a doctor within hours.

Urgent care centers also provide routine medical checkups and preventive care services. Doctors usually recommend visiting an emergency room only for more dire circumstances or health-related crises that require calling 911.

When to go to the emergency room

On the off chance that you are encountering a severe health-related crisis, visiting an ER or trauma center is generally your best option. You should visit a Los Angeles medical center that provides emergency room services in any health event that threatens your life, for example, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Other health-related crises include:

  •         Broken bones
  •         Change in mental state
  •         Chest pain
  •         Concussion
  •         Difficulty breathing
  •         Dislocated joints
  •         Facial lacerations
  •         Fainting
  •         Fever with a rash
  •         Head or eye injury
  •         Mental confusion
  •         Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  •         Seizures
  •         Serious burns
  •         Severe cold or flu symptoms
  •         Severe cuts that may require stitches
  •         Slurred speech
  •         Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy

When considering an ER visit, call your primary care physician or local urgent care clinic first for advice on what type of care you need—if time permits. If your doctor recommends a hospital visit at the Medical Center near USC or another facility nearby, schedule your appointments ahead of time so that you can receive prompt treatment from experienced emergency room medical professionals.

WHEN TO GO TO AN URGENT CARE CLINIC?

Timing is vital when deciding between visiting an urgent care clinic or the emergency room. Urgent care clinics are best suited for medical issues that require immediate attention but aren’t life-threatening. If your symptoms could cause severe additional harm if left untreated, and you cannot wait until a doctor’s office opens, then you should visit the emergency room immediately. Examples of medical conditions most often treated by urgent care facilities like the Los Angeles clinic near USC include:

  •         Abdominal pain
  •         Dehydration
  •         Fevers
  •         Flu-like symptoms
  •         Muscle sprains, strains, and spasms
  •         Persistent diarrhea
  •         Shortness of breath
  •         Small cuts that may require stitches
  •         Vomiting
  •         Wheezing

However, an urgent care clinic can be a great option if you have a non-emergency issue that occurs during non-office hours. This strategy is especially true for minor illnesses such as colds and flu, earaches, sore throats, rashes, and urinary tract infections. In addition, many urgent care centers offer additional services, including vaccinations and school physicals, that may not be available at the local hospital.

WHEN TO CALL 911?

When faced with a potentially life-threatening emergency, the decision between making medical center near USC appointments for short-term urgent care or calling 911 for a quick visit to the nearest emergency room can be the difference between life and death. It is essential to recognize the signs of a health issue that warrants an immediate medical response and when you should dial 911. Examples of medical problems that require calling 911 include:

  • Broken bones
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Fainting
  • Major chest pain
  • Poisoning
  • Severe bleeding
  • Stroke symptoms, such as mental confusion or trouble speaking, seeing, or walking
  • Sudden vision loss or changes in vision

While not all these conditions will necessarily require a visit to the hospital’s emergency room after calling 911, they are all serious enough that they need immediate attention from medical professionals.

PREPARING FOR YOUR MEDICAL VISIT

To optimize your medical care, it’s always a good idea to bring along a list of all the medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter brands, vitamins, and supplements. You should also include the amounts and frequency with which you take them. Also, write down any allergies you have—including allergies to certain medicines— and any previous medical procedures or surgeries you’ve had, including their dates and the physicians’ names and contact information.

URGENT CARE NEAR USC in LOS ANGELES

Vermont Urgent Care is an excellent option when medical care is needed, but an emergency room visit isn’t necessary. Its reputable physicians and staff provide prompt, expert medical attention for minor illnesses and injuries.

Vermont Urgent Care facility provides quality services such as on-site digital X-rays, laboratory testing, EKGs, and adult vaccinations. Patients can expect short wait times with no appointment necessary. Same-day visits are available, and the center also offers comprehensive occupational health services, such as drug testing and physicals tailored to employers’ needs. Contact Urgent Care near me today to schedule appointments or call (213) 386-2511.