1. The Walk in Health Clinic Is Not Reliable.
The Urgent Care Association of America estimates that 3 million patients seek care from a walk in health clinic each week. While some clinics are only open Monday through Saturday, 85% of them have business hours every day of the week. Clinic doctors must be alert at all times to treat different types of patients. There are presumptions made in regards to the talent level of doctors and nurses employed by clinics. Most assume that these clinics are only able to hire low-level talent, but that is not true. Walk in heath clinics employ some of the top doctors and nurses in the area.
2. The Walk in Health Clinic Is for Severe Symptoms Only
Many patients assume that walk in health clinics are reserved for emergency room-like symptoms, but that is not the case. As a matter of fact, clinics will urge patients with severe symptoms to seek out the Emergency Room instead of the clinic. In the year 2012, the most common diagnosis treated at clinics was an upper respiratory condition. These respiratory conditions are serious if left untreated, but are rarely viewed as a “life or death” type of condition. Clinics are designed not only for immediate medical help, but also to be available when family doctors are not. They treat all patients, whether their symptoms be an ear infection, heart pain, or a sinus infection.
3. The Walk in Health Clinic Can’t Treat A Physical Injury
An estimated 25,000 Americans fall victim to a sprained ankle every day by simply rolling their ankle. Thus, a walk in health clinic must be prepared to diagnose and treat a physical injury just as much as they are prepared to treat an infection. Clinics are working in two ways to help those who have physical injuries. Over 20,000 physicians now work for walk in clinics, and four out of every five clinics will diagnose and treat fractures. A walk in heath clinic is now also able to recommend and provide physical therapy to those who are in physical pain. No matter the condition, a clinic will adapt and use its resources to help patients.