Urgent Care vs. ER | Sick Visits at AFC Urgent Care Arden

At AFC Urgent Care Arden, we provide quality medical service for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Visit us with no appointment necessary, and you’ll be on your way in about an hour.

If you think you have a life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

Where should I go for a sick visit – the ER, my primary doctor or AFC Urgent Care?

Do you ever struggle to choose between going to the emergency room, a primary care doctor or an urgent care facility when you feel sick?

At AFC Urgent Care of Arden, our mission is to provide a secure and easily accessible alternative to the ER or your primary care physician if needed. We treat many common illnesses, minor injuries, and infections and are far more cost and time efficient than the ER. Generally, patients at AFC can expect to be in and out in about an hour, with an average cost of $150.

According to the CDC, over 1 in 5 Americans visit the ER yearly, but up to 70% of these visits could be handled by an urgent care center or primary care doctor at a lower price.

We don’t want you to wait when you need medical care, and we know that going to the ER can be expensive. U.S. News and World Report found that ER visits are 4x more expensive than a regular doctor’s visit. That’s why we are committed to giving quality medical care to you quickly and affordably.

We aim to be the best ER alternative that the American public needs. Our urgent care centers are prepared to manage a range of medical issues like minor illnesses, injuries and more.

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers provide prompt treatment for medical issues such as minor illnesses, injuries and infections. You can visit an urgent care center without scheduling an appointment. Most urgent care clinics offer extended hours and are typically more flexible than a regular doctor’s office.

If you get hurt, urgent care is equipped to handle a variety of conditions including cuts and bruises, sprains and strains, respiratory infections, stomach viruses and more. Additionally, urgent care offers other services such as x-rays and laboratory tests.

What isn’t treated at urgent care?

Urgent care centers can provide treatment for a multitude of medical issues, but they are not capable of managing serious or life-threatening matters. Additionally, urgent care cannot refill prescriptions. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, it’s best to visit the emergency room at a hospital instead of an urgent care center.

A few conditions that should be handled in a hospital emergency room instead of urgent care include:

Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Severe or persistent bleeding

Sudden loss of consciousness

Suspected stroke or heart attack

Severe burns or electrical injuries

Poisoning

Severe abdominal pain

If you’re uncertain about going to an urgent care center or a hospital, feel free to call our office to verify. It’s better to get help and get the medical attention you need sooner rather than later.