When you or a loved one falls ill, you likely call your GP and try to set up an appointment with them as soon as possible. While there is nothing wrong with going to a hospital once you are under the weather, you should note that you are overlooking an alternative to primary care in the form of a walk-in clinic. Some people consider walk-in clinics as a place to get some cough medicine or deal with other minor issues, but in truth, you may find these clinics much more beneficial in the long run! This piece highlights all you need to know about walk-in medical clinics and their advantages.

When should you opt for a walk-in medical clinic over the hospital?

The main thing you should know about walk-in clinics is that they are just as equipped to provide you with urgent care as a conventional hospital would be. However, it should be noted that walk-in medical clinics are the better option when you are facing medical problems that are not life-threatening rather than serious health problems. For instance, if you or a loved one experiences an allergic reaction, you could go to a walk-in clinic rather than a hospital. Conversely, if someone is having a heart attack, a hospital will be the best care facility.

What are the advantages of a walk-in medical clinic?

The greatest advantage of walk-in medical clinics when compared to hospitals is the convenience that the former facilities offer. As the name suggests, you can simply stroll into the clinic without having made a prior appointment. Nonetheless, this is not the only benefit of choosing a walk-in clinic. Additional benefits you are bound to enjoy include:

  • Fast service: Hospitals tend to be quite busy. Thus, if you are not at the emergency unit, you may have to wait for hours on end to be attended to by a physician. A walk-in medical clinic, on the other hand, will typically offer faster service. The reason behind this can be attributed to the fact that walk-in clinics deal with minor medical problems and injuries.
  • Extended office hours: If you choose to see your family GP exclusively when you or one of your loved ones are sick, you likely have to set up an appointment that they will fit into their day. Hence, you have to adjust your day to see the doctor. Not to mention that some doctors may not work over the weekend or on public holidays! A walk-in medical clinic typically offers extended office hours and is usually open on weekends and holidays.
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