Urgent care should be used when you are suffering from conditions that are not emergencies, but still require care within 24 hours. These might include:

Sprains and Fractures — More than 80% of ankle sprains are the results of an inversion or the inward rolling of the ankle. The good news is that the majority of urgent care centers are able to treat fractures, so you can have your bone treated and examined before determining if a hospital visit is even necessary.

Moderate Breathing Difficulty — Upper respiratory conditions are some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in urgent care centers. For regular medical problems like strep throat or raspy cough, head to your nearest walk-in clinic. Alternatively, if you are suffering from severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital immediately.

Testing, Imaging and Labs — If you believe that you were at risk for the contraction of a disease or illness, head to an urgent care clinic for walk-in testing. Instead of waiting weeks to schedule seeing a doctor, or waiting for hours at the emergency room, get tested right away at AFC Urgent Care to put your mind at ease.

A walk-in clinic is a facility that provides a more affordable option for basic medical care than an emergency room. Generally, walk-in clinics offer care on a first come, first served basis and do not usually take appointments. The emphasis is on convenience, care, and affordability. They usually provide services for minor illnesses and injuries like treatment for flu or colds, strep throat, cuts, or skin conditions, as well as services like immunizations, physicals, and health screenings.
 
An urgent care center is comparable to a walk-in clinic, but with additional capabilities. Urgent care centers are able to treat more serious (though still non-life threatening) illnesses or injuries. These facilities are intended to help patients avoid the need for more expensive medical services, like hospitals or emergency rooms. These facilities also typically have x-ray equipment and are able to handle more severe conditions like broken bones or burns, which walk-in clinics typically do not.

Choosing an urgent care center over the emergency room will depend on your needs, and can usually save you time and money. An urgent care clinic can treat common conditions such as:

• Earaches and infections
• Minor cuts, sprains, and burns
• Fever and flu symptoms
• Cough, cold and sore throat
• Animal bites
• Mild asthma
• Urinary tract infections
• Headaches
• Back and joint pain

On the other hand, emergency rooms are meant for true medical emergencies. They can handle trauma, x-rays, surgical procedures, and other life-threatening situations. Most hospitals have an emergency room that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An emergency room may be the best choice if you are experiencing:

• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Disorientation or difficulty speaking
• Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
• Seizure or loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath or severe asthma attack
• Head injury/major trauma
• Blurry or loss of vision
• Severe cuts or burns
• Heart attack, chest pain, or chest pressure
• Overdose
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Severe allergic reactions
 
If you or someone you know is looking for an urgent care facility, come to Burbank Urgent Care today! We have expertly trained professionals who are experienced in treating patients with a wide variety of ailments! Contact our office today to get in touch with a specialist. To book an appointment, call us or visit us online! We serve patients from Burbank CA, Glendale CA, Pasadena CA, Beverly Hills CA, San Fernando CA, La Crescenta-Montrose CA, and Kagel Canyon CA.