This May, join Mercy Urgent Care in celebrating National Urgent Care Awareness Month, a time in which we give special recognition to 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, STI’s, pregnancy and blood glucose; provides support and treatment for mental health concerns; and provides preventative services in the way of physicals and vaccinations.
Facilities like Mercy help to alleviate the burden on emergency rooms. Providing urgent care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses enables area hospitals to make better use of their resources and provide faster ER care for true emergencies. Mercy Urgent Care partners with ERs and primary family physicians to work together — primary care for wellness, urgent care for non-life-threatening care when a primary care physician is not available, and area hospitals for acute care.
“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.
Open 362 days a year, seven days a week, Mercy Urgent Care has eight convenient locations in Western North Carolina.
