Common Questions
Q & A
How is an Urgent Care Center Different from a Primary Heath Care Facility?
Urgent care centers manage non-life-threatening, non-chronic conditions that need immediate medical attention. Urgent care centers handle conditions such as sprains, strains, infections, colds, flu, cuts, fever, allergies, bruises, etc. that can be treated immediately without an appointment required. You can simply walk-in for on-demand healthcare at an urgent care clinic, like Urgent care Of Kansas City.
A Primary Health care facility are focused on continuing care that involves preventing and treating chronic conditions, health checkups, patient education, and the diagnosis of acute and chronic illnesses and injuries. A primary health care physician also provides treatment for recurring medical issues, such as reproductive health, nutrition, sleep issues, stress management, mental health problems, and minor/major illnesses.
If you need immediate, on-demand healthcare for a non-life-threatening, non-chronic conditions, it is best to visit an urgent care because you can be seen immediately without an appointment. If you have a recurring or chronic condition, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a primary health care provider.
What’s the Difference between Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms (ER)?
- Urgent care clinics treat non-life-threatening, non-chronic conditions while ERs handle life-threatening emergencies.
- Urgent care clinics are typically much less expensive than a hospital emergency room – This is because emergency rooms are required to have a certain number of staff on site at all locations, have specialized equipment to address life-threatening emergencies, and be open 24 hours a day.
- * Urgent care clinics are a good option for patients who need quick treatment but do not have a life-threatening condition – Urgent care clinics have experienced medical professionals who can provide prompt, efficient care for a wide range of conditions. In addition, urgent care clinics are typically open for extended hours and weekends, making them convenient for patients with busy schedules.
Do Urgent Care Centers and Primary Care Facilities Treat the Same Injuries and Illnesses?
Urgent care is focused on the treatment of acute, non-chronic conditions while primary care is equipped to handle non-life-threatening, chronic conditions. If you are dealing with conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, it is recommended you visit a primary care provider who serves as a long-term healthcare provider for you and your family. A Primary care provider also focuses on preventative care, such as cancer screenings and vaccinations.
- Insect bites
- Scrapes and lacerations
- Sunburn and minor burns
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Cold & Flu
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Bronchitis
- Chickenpox
- Food sensitivity
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory infection
- Pneumonia
- Abscesses
- Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- High blood pressure
- Diseases (such as cancer)
- Chronic health conditions
How Long Do I Need to Wait for an Appointment at a Primary Care Facility vs. Urgent Care Center?
Urgent care clinics offer on-demand medical care for non-life-threatening conditions. You can just walk-in for care with no appointment necessary. Integra Urgent Care also offers online check-in, so you can wait your turn at home or in your car instead of our waiting room. We also offer telemedicine/telehealth services so you don’t need to leave your home at all.
Primary care clinics offer medical care for non-life-threatening, non-chronic and chronic conditions although visits to primary care clinic often require an appointment that can be several days out.
What are the Differences in Diagnostic Testing between Urgent Care, Primary Care, and ER?
Diagnostic Testing available at urgent care, primary care centers:
- X-rays
- COVID-19 Testing
- Flu/RSV Testing
- Drug Screens
- STD/STI Testing
- Metabolic Panels – Used to check for any abnormalities in your blood work, which can be indicative of a serious health condition. Metabolic Panels can also be used to monitor your progress if you are on a new medication or have recently changed your diet.
- Chemistry Panels – Measures the levels of certain substances in your blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, calcium, and kidney function. These tests’ results can help diagnose and treat many conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.