COVID-19 has impacted our world in a countless number of ways. One of the less commonly talked about changes we’ve experienced is how aware the general public is of safety in a healthcare setting. Before COVID-19, you never had to worry if it was worth the risk of getting sick to get the medical care that you need. If you’ve suddenly become very aware of the COVID-19 risk in a medical setting, you’re not alone! Urgent care centers are taking extra measures to help keep both their staff and their patients safe from COVID-19 while still providing high-quality medical services.
COVID-19 Screenings and Precautions
COVID-19 screenings are an important tool for both the patients and staff at an urgent care center. Staff are screened using a thermometer to determine if they're high-risk for carrying COVID-19. Patients are also screened using a thermometer, along with a set of questions about COVID-19 exposure and potential symptoms. If someone is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they’ll be kept away from other patients while awaiting treatment. Urgent care staff are provided with personal protection equipment, such as gloves and masks, that allow them to safely treat a COVID-19 patient without exposing themselves or others.
When Should You Go to Urgent Care?
Urgent care centers are a great resource for people experiencing non-life-threatening medical conditions. Broken bones, sprains, and minor infections are among the most common illnesses and injuries seen at an urgent care center. Urgent care centers are equipped with X-ray machines, lab equipment, and all the tools needed to diagnose and treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
Urgent care centers also provide a flexible, affordable option for healthcare needs like physicals and vaccines. Pretty much anything that’s not serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, but too serious to wait for an appointment with your family doctor, can be treated at your local urgent care center!
COVID-19 Services
Urgent care centers are a great resource for COVID-19 services including:
- COVID-19 testing
- COVID-19 antibody testing
- COVID-19 symptom treatment
If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed, contact the urgent care center before you arrive to avoid exposing other patients or staff members. If you’re having sudden difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room for your COVID-19 treatment.
Getting familiar with where your nearest urgent care center is located is a good idea because you never know when you’ll need their services! Rather your child needs a sports physical or you need stitches after an accident in the kitchen, the quicker you can get to the urgent care center, the better! Contact your local urgent care center today to learn more about their hours of operation and accepted insurance plans.
