Each May, we celebrate Urgent Care Awareness Month — a time to highlight the important role urgent care clinics play in our healthcare system. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness, a minor injury, or simply need care outside of your primary doctor’s hours or on the weekends, urgent care centers offer convenient, accessible, and cost-effective solutions.
What Is Urgent Care?
Urgent care bridges the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency room. It’s designed for non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt attention — things like:
- Colds, flu, and sore throats
- Ear infections and pink eye
- Cuts needing stitches
- Broken bones, sprains, strains, and X-rays
- Mild asthma attacks or allergic reactions
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and STD testing
- Rashes, burns, and insect bites
With extended hours, walk-in availability, and on-site labs and X-rays, urgent care clinics are built for speed and efficiency without compromising quality.
Why It Matters
Too often, patients visit the emergency room for conditions that could be treated more quickly and affordably at urgent care. Not only does this save time and money, but it also helps reduce overcrowding in ERs and ensures hospital resources go to those who need them most.
Urgent care also supports continuity of care. At Marque Urgent Care, we work with your primary doctor to keep them updated on your visit, so your care stays connected and personalized. We also offer services such as Chiropractic and Physical Therapy.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
Choose Urgent Care for:
- Minor cuts, sprains, or possible broken bones
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Earaches, sore throats, or fevers
- Rashes, minor burns, or allergic reactions
- Urinary tract infections and STD testing
- Non-severe asthma issues
Go to the ER for:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or confusion (signs of stroke)
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe head injuries or major trauma
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures or suspected poisoning
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. But for everything else, urgent care is fast, affordable, and there when you need it.
A Message From Marque
We’re proud to be your trusted healthcare partner — available when and where you need us. This month, we’re reminding our communities to get to know us before you need us. Tour your local clinic, meet our friendly staff, and explore the services we offer — from pediatric care to occupational medicine to virtual visits.
When unexpected health issues pop up, urgent care might just be the best choice you didn’t know you had. Visit our website today!