Urgent Care Awareness Month

May 5, 2023 by Keely Knopp
This May, join Mercy Urgent Care in celebrating National Urgent Care Awareness Month, which shines a light on the important role urgent care centers play in our national health care system.
When unexpected injuries or health issues arise, many people’s first reaction is to head to an emergency room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren’t life-threatening, these trips often end up costing patients more in both time and money.
And that’s where urgent care centers like Mercy come in. Knowing the best option for care can be essential in beginning the healing process, and urgent care centers fill a critical gap in the health care industry.
Urgent Care bridges the gap between primary care and emergency care. Treating minor burns, scrapes and cuts is a vital, yet singular piece of the urgent care puzzle. Urgent care also treats conditions such as allergic reactions, ear infections and strep throat; provides x-ray imaging and lab services such as testing for COVID-19, STIs, pregnancy and blood glucose; provides support and treatment for mental health concerns; and offers preventative services in the way of physicals and vaccinations.
Facilities like Mercy help to alleviate the burden on emergency rooms, enabling area hospitals to make better use of their resources and provide faster ER care for true emergencies. “When people know where to go based on their circumstances, the system works best,” said Dr. Robert Kimball, president of the UCA Board of Directors.
To make these important services even more accessible to the community, Mercy Urgent Care recently introduced MercyMe, a monthly membership that gives individuals and families access to a full menu of health services — from annual wellness checks and yearly flu shots to access to urgent care services like x-rays, wound care and lab testing — without an appointment or lengthy check-in procedures.
Mercy understands how difficult it can be to provide and manage healthcare services for yourself and your family. Costs for routine doctor visits, annual checkups, vaccinations, even treating the occasional bangs, bruises and bellyaches can put a strain on many people’s budgets. But it doesn’t have to. Thanks to MercyMe, people all over Western North Carolina can have access to health care services for as little as $29 per month for an individual and $59 per month for a family of four.
With eight locations across WNC and a MercyMe card, you’ll never be without affordable, quality healthcare resources. Learn more about MercyMe by clicking here, spread awareness this month about the differences between urgent care and emergency departments, and keep us in mind for any of life’s unexpected, non-life-threatening events. Stay well!