When in an accident or concerned you may be sick, it’s always important to find medical help. It’s not uncommon for conditions to be far worse than people may realize, leading them to avoid seeking help until it is too late. Oftentimes, this is because people believe that receiving medical attention isn’t as easy as it should be.

When seeking immediate aid, most people turn directly to the emergency room. Unfortunately, not only are the costs of receiving medical attention fairly high, but the waiting times in hospitals can be terribly long.

To offer more accessible help to those in need, medical walk in clinics are meant provide expedited and more affordable care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 129.8 million people go to emergency rooms every year. Many of these patients could have just as easily gone to an urgent care center for effective treatment.

Rather than waiting hours in pain and discomfort, walk in clinics are able to see you in a fraction of the time. An estimated 69% of the average wait times in urgent care facilities are under 20 minutes. For those who may have more serious conditions, those reduced wait times can have substantial effects on their health.

Some may assume that they are better off going to the emergency room at odd hours because they have a better chance at them being open. Even though hospitals are open 24 hours a day, walk in health clinics are likely available in most cases. About 85% of urgent care centers are open seven days a week, with around 95% remaining open after 7 p.m.

When in need of medical attention, before speeding to the emergency room just to sit waiting for hours, walk in clinics can provide most of the same care in a fraction of the time.