With the American economy undergoing multiple shifts and health insurance providers struggling to keep up with changing policies, family care providers are coming into focus as the necessary option for families and individuals alike to get the care they need. However, not everyone can afford to set an appointment for a primary care doctor and need to use urgent care services instead. Below I’ll define different branches of health services and how they function so you can spend less time waiting and more time getting the help you need.

What Is A Primary Care Doctor?

A primary care doctor is one you are regularly referred to when you need a check-up, such as for back pain or the flu. Your insurance can provide you one or you can visit a low cost health clinic and meet with multiple doctors to see who fits you best. However, it’s estimated only 29% of all primary care doctors have after-hours coverage, which can make things difficult when you need immediate help and your regular family health clinic isn’t an option. Who do you turn to when you need to see a provider late at night?

Urgent Care Providers

Urgent care services are used for various reasons: when you need attention for a potentially life-threatening injury and are unable to set up an appointment or if you have a smaller condition that can be treated quickly. Over 50% of after hours urgent care have a wait time of less than 15 minutes, with around 65% having a physician on-site constantly. It’s estimated that 20,000 physicians are working in urgent care and that number only continues to grow.

Common Illnesses

Many people see urgent care for injuries, such as cuts or burns, or screenings for sexually transmitted diseases. Only around 40% of sexually active women are screened for conditions such as chlamydia and the U.S. sees over 20 million cases of sexually transmitted infections every year. With almost 7,000 urgent care facilities in the U.S. and counting, there are multiple options available for you if you need immediate help or are looking for family care providers for you and yours.