Is Urgent Care Faster than Seeing Your Primary Doctor?

Is Urgent Care Faster than Seeing Your Primary Doctor?

When you’re feeling unwell or get injured, speed can be a crucial factor, especially when health concerns arise unexpectedly. How do you decide whether to see your primary care provider or go to urgent care?

Urgent care clinics, like our award-winning Boulder Medical Center Urgent Care clinic, are walk-in medical facilities designed to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that require prompt attention. They are designed to bridge the gap between primary care and the emergency room. Urgent care services typically include treatment for urgent but not life-threatening concerns, such as minor cuts, flu-like symptoms, minor fractures, infections, etc.

Urgent care clinics usually operate on extended hours, including evenings and weekends, making them a convenient option when your primary care doctor’s office is closed.

When Urgent Care is Faster than Your Primary Care Provider

If your health concern is urgent, care at an Urgent Care clinic can be faster because:

·         No appointment is required

·         Wait times are often less than an hour

·         Hours include evening and weekends

When Your Primary Care Provider is Faster than Urgent Care

Despite the advantages of urgent care, there may be times when seeing your primary care provider may be a better option because your primary care doctor knows your medical history and ongoing conditions, which can lead to quicker, more personalized treatment. Further, your primary care doctor is better equipped to provide long-term care for chronic conditions such as diabetes management or hypertension. They can address the root cause of your concerns rather than just treating symptoms.

Urgent care clinics can also experience longer wait times seasonally, such as during flu season. Conversely, if you already have a scheduled appointment with your primary care provider, you’ll likely be seen quickly once you arrive.

Making the Decision: Urgent Care or Primary Doctor?

To decide where to go, consider the details below

Visit urgent care if you need:

·         Immediate treatment for minor non-emergency illness or injury.

·         Medical care outside of regular office hours.

·         Quick results for diagnostic tests like X-rays or rapid flu tests.

Visit your primary care doctor if you need:

·         A follow-up for a chronic condition or an ongoing treatment plan.

·         Referrals for specialized care.

·         Understanding of your medical history.

If you’re unsure, you can call ahead to explain your symptoms.

Call Boulder Medical Center Urgent Care at 303-440-3200 or find a match for a primary care provider that meets your needs.