Urgent care center

Urgent Care Center

An Urgent Care Center (pronounced: /ˈɜːrdʒənt keɪr ˈsɛntər/) is a type of walk-in clinic focused on the delivery of immediate, non-emergency care in a dedicated medical facility outside of a traditional emergency department (ED).

Etymology

The term "Urgent Care" originated in the United States and is part of a trend towards a more consumer-driven, retail approach to healthcare. The term "Center" refers to the physical location where this type of care is provided.

Description

Urgent Care Centers primarily treat injuries or illnesses requiring immediate care but not serious enough to require an ED visit. They are equipped to treat a wide range of conditions including infections, minor fractures, stitches, and more. Urgent Care Centers are typically open beyond normal office hours, including evenings and weekends.

Related Terms

Primary Care: This is the day-to-day healthcare given by a health care provider. It is where people receive care for most of their everyday health needs.

Emergency Department: This is a medical treatment facility specializing in emergency medicine and acute care of patients who present without prior appointment, either by their own means or by ambulance.

Walk-in Clinic: This is a type of clinic in which patients can walk-in with no advance appointment. It is a primary care clinic, providing treatment for a broad range of conditions.

Healthcare Provider: This is an individual or an institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional, rehabilitative or palliative care services in a systematic way to individuals, families or communities.

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Urgent care center