Ritecare Urgent Care Vs ER: Where Should You Get Medical Help?

A medical situation can be confusing, scary and unpredictable. Thus, it’s understandable if you’re not sure where to go to get help. Should you or your sick or injured loved-one head to an urgent care center or the emergency room? The following tips from Ritecare Medical Center in Hialeah will make it easier for you to decide. 

Urgent Care for Adults

Ritecare urgent care center in Hialeah usually attends to patients with non-life threatening conditions that may be treated during clinic hours or office hours. You can either go as a walk-in patient or book a schedule through our online appointment system or by calling our landline number at (305) 200-1225.

The following illnesses and injuries may be diagnosed and treated at our urgent care clinic:

  • Eye irritation
  • Ear pain
  • Headache
  • Cough or respiratory problem
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever with chills
  • Flu and the common cold
  • Skin rashes or allergic reactions
  • Gynecological problems
  • Urinary symptoms 
  • Cuts and abrasions 
  • Minor injuries soft tissue injuries
  • Musculoskeletal injuries (sprain, strain, fracture, etc.)

According to a study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, a significant number of urgent care referrals to the emergency department are not critical at all. Only 7.3 percent were, in fact, actual emergency cases. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these conditions and don’t want to line up in the ER, head over to Ritecare urgent care center Hialeah for timely and affordable medical care.

Emergency Care for Adults

Emergency care services are in operation 24/7 with a full-service staff. However, as the name implies, the cases being treated her are emergency cases or illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention.

These cases include: 

  • Major trauma or accident
  • Heart attack
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Severe burn
  • Seizures
  • Poisoning
  • Sudden changes in the face, arms, or vision (signs of stroke)

So, whether the doctor’s clinic is open during business hours or there’s an urgent care facility nearby, you need to go to the emergency department if you or your loved one experience any of the conditions above. However, if your situation can wait, you may as well go to Ritecare urgent care clinic or schedule an appointment with the doctor.

Why is this important?

According to a study in Academic Emergency Medicine, most patients prefer to go to the emergency room, regardless of their situation due to limited access, convenience, perceived urgency, and confidence in the clinic or facility.

However, keep in mind that if you do go to the emergency room with a non-emergency health problem, you will NOT be attended to right away since the ER staff will have to prioritize patients who are experiencing life and death health emergencies.

Going to Ritecare medical center in Hialeah for non-life threatening medical conditions is the best way to get the high quality, affordable, and timely care you need without having to wait in a long queue.

For pediatric patients, here are some tips on where to bring your sick child.

Learn more about Ritecare Urgent Care Medical Center in Hialeah

Ritecare Urgent Care Medical Center has been committed to providing high-quality medical care to patients without sacrificing convenience and cost-effectiveness. Contact Us today to receive the care that you need and deserve. For your convenience, you can book an appointment online. For inquiries, call us at (305) 200-1225.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.