What is an Urgent Care Clinic?
October 21, 2024
Health News
Illness can be more prevalent this time of year with children back in school and the fall and winter season approaching. But did you know that urgent care clinics are a great resource for various conditions and can be beneficial in properly caring for your illness or injury before it worsens? Kaylie Humphreys, DNP, APRN, Northern Nevada Urgent Care, shares helpful information on getting the care you need.
What are commonly treated conditions at an urgent care clinic?
An urgent care clinic is equipped to care for a wide range of conditions that do not require emergency care at a hospital.
These conditions include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abscess or wound infection
- Allergic reaction
- Ear infection
- Fever
- Headache
- Lacerations
- Minor eye conditions
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Rashes
- Respiratory conditions
- Sprains/strains
- Urogenital issues
What is the difference between an urgent care clinic and an emergency department?
An urgent care clinic can treat non-life-threatening conditions, such as a cold or sprained ankle. They are traditionally open seven days a week, but do not operate 24/7 like an emergency department. These clinics are staffed with urgent care providers who oftentimes also practice in the family medicine setting. In addition, many urgent care clinics offer X-rays for diagnosing broken bones.
For life-threatening conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke, emergency departments, or ERs, are open 24/7 and are staffed by emergency-trained nurses and physicians who offer a higher level of care. ERs are usually affiliated with a hospital and provide a full range of diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, MRI, CT, as well as life-saving technology. If further treatment and care are needed, doctors can admit the patient to the hospital following treatment in the ER.
Do I need a reservation for an urgent care clinic or emergency department visit?
Northern Nevada Health System offers online reservations for both urgent care and our freestanding emergency departments in Reno and Sparks.
Book an urgent care clinic reservation
Request a time at one of our 3 freestanding emergency departments
If you are experiencing a potentially life-threatening condition, call 911 or get to your nearest ER right away.