When and why urgent care centers may be better option to the emergency room at a hospital

There are about 14, 714 urgent care centers in the US today, with over 200 million patients being seen each year. The average wait time at an urgent care visit is about 60 minutes; the wait time for emergency room visit is around 162 minutes.

Urgent care centers are for non-life threatening injuries and illnesses that need to be treated without the wait you may have when scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider. However, if an urgent care provider feels you need a higher level of care, you still may be sent to a hospital emergency room. There is usually an out-of-pocket cost for an urgent care visit, but is typically less than going to the emergency room.

University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center has two urgent care locations, where board-certified providers are prepared to treat you and your family. UH Samaritan urgent care is located at 663 E. Main St., Ashland, and the UH Samaritan Richland Health Center urgent care is located at 1033 Ashland Road, Mansfield. Both locations are open 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Both locations are closed Sundays and holidays.

Types of things treated at an urgent care facility

Illnesses or injuries that can be treated at an urgent care include, but are not limited to:

• Sinus infections

• Flu

• COVID-19

• Insect/bee stings

• Urinary tract infections

• Ear infections

• Poison ivy/oak

• Vomiting/diarrhea

• Sprains/strains

• Broken Bones (that have not broken through the skin)

• Minor burns

• Lacerations/cuts

Tests for certain conditions are available at the urgent care as well. Some of these are:

• Flu

• Covid

• Strep throat

• Pregnancy

• Mononucleosis

Appointments are not necessary at either of these urgent care locations. It is important to keep in mind only UH Samaritan Richland urgent care has on-site radiology and outpatient laboratory services available. On-site radiology means patients can have X-rays for injuries that indicate the need.

Facilities that have outpatient laboratory services means the staff can draw labs that are ordered by a primary care doctor close to home, eliminating a trip to the main lab at UH Samaritan Medical Center. If any of the services are deemed a necessity for treatment while at the UH Samaritan Urgent care in Ashland, you may be referred to the radiology or laboratory department at the hospital.

What to take with you to an urgent care, and a virtual care option

• A valid form of ID

• Insurance card (most insurance is accepted, but is not required)

• A method of payment

• A list of medications and allergies

University hospitals has an “on demand” virtual care option. With this option, you are connected to a UH provider via video and can be treated for certain conditions without having to leave your home. The visits can be completed seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

UH On Demand Virtual Care is available for adults and children 12 months and older. Patients under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to have a video visit. On Demand visits are $65 for a self-pay visit or you may use your insurance. Your out of pocket cost using insurance will be determined by your personal insurance plan, including deductible or copay.

Experiencing an illness or injury is scary. Knowing there are options close to home offers comfort during these times. Whatever your healthcare needs are, University Hospitals has over 400 primary care providers with virtual appointments available, emergency rooms at each one of our hospitals and urgent cares across the UH system.

Our UH providers are all committed to providing expert care no matter the situation, illness or injury. For more information, to find an urgent care location or a local provider, visit UHhospitals.org to find the appropriate care for you and your family.

Christina Vanderpool, RN, BSN, Community Outreach Nurse, Communications and Development at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: What to know about urgent care, virtual health options in Ashland