If you are feeling sick or injured, you may be wondering whether you should go to a walk in clinic or the ER. Both options have their pros and cons, but here are seven reasons why we think walk in clinics are the better choice:
1. Walk in clinics are more affordable than the ER.
The average cost of an ER visit is $2000, while the average cost of a walk in clinic visit is only $50.
If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs will be lower at a walk in clinic as well. co-pays for an ER visit can be as high as $200, while most insurance plans only charge a $20-$30 co-pay for visits to urgent care quincy ma centers.
Additionally, many employers now offer high deductible health plans (HDHPs). This means that even if you have insurance, you may still have to pay the full cost of your ER visit out of pocket. On the other hand, walk in clinics are almost always considered preventive care and thus covered under HDHPs.
For these reasons, walk in clinics are much more affordable than the ER, especially if you don’t have insurance or have an HDHP.
If cost is a major concern for you, then a walk in clinic is definitely the better choice.
However, there are other reasons to choose a walk in clinic over the ER as well. Here are six more:
2. Walk in clinics are often faster and less crowded than the ER.
The average wait time at an ER is two hours, while the average wait time at a walk in clinic is only 15 minutes.
In addition, walk in clinics see far fewer patients than ERs. This means that you will likely be seen more quickly and won’t have to spend as much time waiting in the waiting room.
It ‘s also worth noting that, because walk in clinics are less crowded, the staff is often more attentive and able to provide better care.
If you want to be seen quickly and don’t want to spend hours waiting in the ER, then a walk in clinic is definitely the better choice.
3. Walk in clinics offer a wider range of services than the ER.
While the ER is equipped to handle life-threatening injuries and illnesses, they are not designed to provide primary care.
On the other hand, walk in clinics are designed to provide primary care and offer a wide range of services, from vaccinations to X-rays.
This means that if you need any type of primary care, a walk in clinic is the better choice.
In addition, many walk in clinics now offer extended hours and are open on weekends, making them more convenient than the ER.
If you need primary care or extended hours, a walk in clinic is the better choice.
4. Walk in clinics are open longer hours than the ER.
The average ER is open for 12 hours a day, while the average walk in clinic is open for 16 hours a day.
This means that if you need care outside of normal business hours, a walk in clinic is the better choice.
In addition, many walk in clinics are now open on weekends, making them even more convenient than the ER.
If you need care outside of normal business hours or on the weekends, a walk in clinic is the better choice.
5. Walk in clinics offer more convenient locations than the ER.
The average ER is located in a hospital, while the average walk in clinic is located in a retail setting such as a grocery store or pharmacy. For example, if you reside within the city of Brampton and type in on Google “walk in clinic Brampton” you will easily find loads of potential walk in clinics convenient and local to you.
This means that you are likely to find a walk in clinic closer to your home or work than an ER.
If convenience is important to you, then a walk in clinic is the better choice.
6. Walk in clinics provide confidential, personalized care.
The ER is a public setting, which means that your medical information is not confidential.
On the other hand, walk in clinics are private and your medical information is confidential.
This means that you can be sure that you will receive the best possible care.
If you want to be sure that you are getting the best possible care, then a walk in clinic is the better choice.
Conclusion
All in all, choosing a walk-in clinic over the ER is the best choice for many people. If you are looking for more convenient, confidential, and personalized care, then a walk-in clinic is the right choice for you. Comparatively, if you have an extremely serious medical condition then the ER will be a better decision for you.
