When a child requires medical attention, it can be difficult to know where to go. While the emergency room is often the first choice, it’s not always the best option. Little Spurs is a great alternative that offers many benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between pediatric urgent care and the emergency room.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
Pediatric Urgent Care is designed to provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses that cannot wait for an appointment with a primary care physician. Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are equipped to handle life-threatening situations and severe injuries.
Wait Times
One of the most significant differences between pediatric urgent care and the emergency room is wait times. At Little Spurs we typically have shorter wait times. In fact, most patients are seen within the hour! Emergency rooms, on the other hand, can have extensive wait times due to the severity of cases they handle. Patients with non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses may wait for hours before being seen by a doctor.
Cost
Another significant difference between the two is the cost. Urgent care clinics are generally less expensive than emergency rooms. Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are equipped to handle life-threatening situations and severe injuries, which comes at a higher cost.
Types of Treatment
Pediatric Urgent Care clinics provide a wide range of treatments, including X-rays, lab testing, and prescription medications. We can also treat many common illnesses and injuries, such as colds, flu, cuts, and sprains. Little Spurs has also introduced our newest technology – EyeBOX (concussion assessment exam). Emergency rooms, on the other hand, have more specialized staff and equipment to handle more severe injuries and illnesses, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both pediatric urgent care and the emergency room have their advantages. It is essential to understand the differences between the two and choose the appropriate one for your child’s medical needs.
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, they are open seven days a week with extended evening hours and see walk-in patients or through an online check-in system. They accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans.
