People are often confused about urgent care and a walk-in clinic. Though both terms involve providing medical care to patients, there is a difference between the two. So, let’s understand the meaning of urgent care and walk-in clinic in detail and find out the difference between them.
What is an Urgent Care Clinic?
Urgent care clinic is a medical facility that provides immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening medical conditions. It involves treating patients whose injuries or illness is serious to the extent that a doctor needs to address them immediately but not so severe that a patient needs to be taken to the emergency room.
Such clinics have facilities to help people facing severe medical conditions, including allergic reactions, burns, dislocations, broken bones, sprains, etc. They are staffed by a medical doctor, physician, nurses, and physician assistants. These clinics are open outside regular business hours.
What is a Walk-In Clinic?
Staffed by medical professionals, including nurses and physician assistants, a walk-in clinic aims to provide affordable and convenient services on a first come, first serve basis. Patients requiring primary medical care can visit a walk-in clinic without an appointment.
These clinics provide affordable treatment for non-life-threatening conditions like minor injuries, flu, cold, strep throat, cuts, etc. Moreover, one can also get vaccinations and flu shots there.
Difference Between Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic
Urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics both provide medical attention to patients. They may sound similar, but there is a slight difference between the two. The table below shows the difference based on specific parameters.
Let us now talk about the differences briefly.
Medical Treatment
Urgent care clinics treat non-life-threatening illnesses that are more severe for walk-in clinics but less severe for emergency rooms. These include allergic reactions, burns, dislocations, broken bones, sprains, etc.
On the other hand, walk-in clinics are designed to provide basic medical care to patients suffering from minor injuries, cuts, or having flu, cold, strep throat, etc.
Hours
Urgent care clinics are open outside business hours, including evenings and weekends, and some urgent clinics are available 24 hours to cater to the patients’ needs. In comparison, walk-in clinics are open during regular business hours only.
Waiting Time
Patients who visit urgent care clinics can expect prompt medical attention, often within 30 minutes of arrival. While patients who visit walk-in clinics may have to experience longer wait times.
Cost
Urgent care clinics are more expensive than walk-in clinics. But they are an affordable and convenient alternative to emergency rooms. On the other hand, one can easily afford care at walk-in clinics. They are ideal for treating non-threatening minor injuries.
Final Words
Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide medical care to patients, but some differences exist between the two. So, depending on the severity of the condition, patients must choose accordingly.
If you want treatment for minor cuts, sprains, or non-life-threatening conditions, choose our walk-in clinic in Jacksonville. We provide cost-effective service and have a trained healthcare team that can help you to get back to your daily life as soon as possible. For further assistance, feel free to reach us today.