Is Urgent Care the Same as Acute Care?

Posted on April 03, 2019

Category: Urgent Care General

“Urgent Care” versus “Acute Care,” what’s the difference? The answer is simple: there isn’t one! These are two different names for the same type of clinic. Urgent Care clinics sprang up out of necessity to help alleviate strain placed on hospitals. They treat minor injuries and non-life-threatening conditions that still require immediate in-person treatment. Knowing this, you might still be wondering if Urgent Care is the right place for your situation.

Keep reading and find out when an Urgent Care visit is the right choice for you.

Minor Injuries

From sprained ankles to minor burns and infections, an Urgent Care clinic can provide help when you need it without all the hassle associated with visiting a hospital. However, it’s important to note that serious injuries, such as head injuries or wounds with excessive bleeding, should always be taken directly to the hospital, as these are potentially life-threatening and should be treated as such.

Aches, Pains and Fevers

Urgent Care clinics specialize in treating minor medical conditions, such as allergies, colds, fevers, aches and nausea. If your symptoms include chest pain or numbness, coughing or vomiting blood, a severe shortness of breath or confusion, that is an emergency medical situation and should be taken to a hospital immediately.

Busy Parents

As a parent, your schedule is often overbooked with commitments ranging from soccer practices to band recitals and everything in between. Sometimes, you just can’t find the time to schedule an appointment and wait for an office visit, because doing so could make you late for a dozen other things. That’s where an Urgent Care clinic can help. With walk-in hours that fit your schedule, you can come at a time that works for you and skip the wait.

Working Professionals

When you’re a working professional, your time is precious. Work days can be packed with scheduled meetings and phone calls, and setting up an appointment for a regular check-up can start to seem like one more thing to try and fit in your already busy schedule—which makes it easy to put your health in the back seat. With an Urgent Care clinic, all you need to do is find the time to stop by the walk-in clinic—no waiting, no scheduling and no fuss.

Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital’s Urgent Care clinic is proud to be physician owned and operated. It is our goal to provide patients with the highest quality of care—without making them spend countless hours in a waiting room. Still wondering what Urgent Care is all about? Feel free to stop by anytime for a quick tour or to answer any medical questions you may have.

Sioux Falls Urgent Care is open 7 days a week with high-quality, connected care and short wait times. That’s your kind of care!