Today, there is a growing number of options for healthcare. More and more people make use of other delivery models, which have made healthcare highly accessible to many.
One such example is the urgent care delivery model, which provides healthcare for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. There is no need for an appointment – urgent care centers operate on a walk-in basis. Another recent advance is telehealth, which allows people to access urgent care without leaving their homes.
Now, there is telehealth urgent care, which allows you to access urgent care services without leaving your home. But when is telehealth urgent care the right choice, and when should you head to a physical urgent care center? This guide will help you understand both options.
Understanding Telehealth Urgent Care
Telehealth urgent care is a convenient way to access medical help through your phone or computer. You can consult with healthcare professionals via video calls, chat, or email. This approach offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Get medical advice from the comfort of your home, which is incredibly beneficial for busy parents or those with mobility issues.
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than in-person visits, telehealth can save you money on travel and time off work.
- Accessibility: Ideal for people living in rural areas where healthcare facilities may be sparse.
However, telehealth has its limitations. It is not suitable for emergencies or conditions requiring physical examination or immediate intervention. There are times when visiting an urgent care center is more appropriate.
Visiting an Urgent Care Center
Urgent care centers provide a wide range of services and can handle medical issues that are not life-threatening but still require prompt attention. Here is why they can be essential:
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Access to labs and imaging services for accurate diagnosis.
- Immediate Treatment: Facilities to treat injuries like fractures or perform minor procedures such as stitches.
- Personalized Care: Face-to-face interactions with healthcare providers for more thorough assessments.
- Same-Day Appointments: It can sometimes take weeks to get an appointment with your provider. At urgent care centers, you can be seen when you walk in or the very next day.
Common scenarios where visiting an urgent care center is necessary include wounds, possible fractures, or any condition that requires a physical examination.
Comparing the Two: Telehealth Urgent Care Vs. Urgent Care Center
Here is a comparison of symptoms and medical conditions that are appropriate for an in-person urgent care center versus a telehealth urgent care center:
In-Person Urgent Care Center
Best for conditions that require hands-on treatment, immediate testing, or in-person diagnosis.
- Fractures and broken bones: Requires X-rays and possible splints or casts.
- Cuts or lacerations: Deep wounds needing stitches or wound care.
- Minor burns: Non-severe burns, such as second-degree burns, need medical attention.
- Sprains and strains: Requires physical examination, possible X-rays, and wrapping or immobilization.
- Mild asthma attacks: Hands-on care for breathing issues, possible use of a nebulizer.
- Non-anaphylactic allergic reactions: Requires medication and observation.
- Eye injuries or infections: Eye exams and treatment for injuries like scratches or foreign objects.
- Dehydration: May need IV fluids, especially if the patient is vomiting or has diarrhea.
- Ear infections: Requires a physical examination of the ear.
- Abdominal pain: A physical exam is needed to rule out serious conditions like appendicitis.
- Fever: A temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit requires a physical assessment to determine the severity and possible complications.
Telehealth Urgent Care Center
Best for conditions that do not require physical exams, lab tests, or imaging.
- Cold, flu, or mild fever: Diagnosis and treatment advice, including prescriptions for fever reducers or antivirals.
- Minor allergic reactions: Mild allergic reactions, such as skin allergies, that do not involve breathing difficulties.
- Mild respiratory infections: Cough, congestion, or sore throat that doesn’t impair breathing.
- Skin rashes or mild skin infections: Eczema, minor infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis that can be diagnosed visually.
- UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections): Common in women, symptoms can be discussed and treatment prescribed virtually.
- Minor headaches or migraines: Medication management and lifestyle advice.
- Digestive issues: Nausea, heartburn, or mild cases of diarrhea or constipation.
- Prescription refills: For non-controlled medications.
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis): This can often be diagnosed via video and treated with prescribed drops.
- Mental health consultations: Initial assessments and treatment for mild anxiety, depression, or other non-urgent mental health concerns.
- Follow-up care: Checking in on existing conditions, such as after an injury or post-surgical recovery.
- Sinus infections or allergies: Medication guidance and over-the-counter advice.
When to Choose In-Person Urgent Care
- If your condition requires physical examination, lab tests, X-rays, or hands-on treatment.
- When there’s a need for immediate treatments like IV fluids, wound care, or a breathing treatment.
When to Choose Telehealth Urgent Care
- If your symptoms are mild to moderate and can be diagnosed through discussion or visual examination.
- When you need quick advice, prescriptions, or reassurance for non-urgent issues.
- If you’re seeking care for minor conditions where you don’t need in-person testing.
Understanding when to use telehealth urgent care versus visiting an urgent care center can empower you to make the best decision for your health. Both options have their unique advantages and are suited to different situations.
Telehealth Urgent Care in Monroe County, PA
New Beginnings Healthcare offers telehealth urgent care services right in the comfort of your home. We are a family practice proud to offer this service and make healthcare more accessible for our patients. Whether your issue is an acute medical condition or management, such as lowering blood pressure, we can guide your treatment.
For any questions or to schedule your telehealth appointment, call us today at (484) 640-5400 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to exceeding your expectations with our virtual healthcare model!
