Capital Region | Capital Health | Late Spring 2018

Sometimes it’s obvious when a trip to the emergency department is needed. Problems such as chest pain or heavy bleeding are clearly serious situations that need help and need it fast. But many times the situation is less clear. That accidental cut might seem deep—but not life- threatening. Your baby’s fever is high enough to concern you, but your pediatrician’s office is closed. You’d like to consult a medical professional, but is the emergency department your only option? In many cases, no. Another type of care—urgent care— is available to treat minor illnesses or injuries, including flu, fever, earaches, rashes, small cuts that need stitches and minor fractures. Some urgent care centers also offer physical exams, vision and hearing screenings, lab tests, and x-rays, notes the American College of Emergency Physicians. Standing by Urgent care centers are often open seven days a week, and many have extended hours. What’s more, you don’t need an appointment to go to an urgent care center. That makes it ideal for situations when you can’t get a timely appointment with your regular doctor. Another benefit of choosing an urgent care center is quick service. When you go to an emergency department with a minor problem, you will need to wait to be seen until people with more serious problems are cared for first. That can take considerable time. At an urgent care center, though, you are likely to be seen within an hour, reports the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. When you need care Most urgent care centers accept health insurance but may require payment at the time of service. Urgent care locations Need urgent care? Capital Region Medical Center operates four walk-in clinics: w w Eastland Urgent Care in Eastland Plaza, Jefferson City w w Edgewood Urgent Care on West Edgewood Drive, Jefferson City w w Downtown Urgent Care on Madison w w Quick Care in Hy-Vee, Jefferson City And at our Eastland, Edgewood and Downtown locations, you can book your appointment online! It’s quick, easy and convenient! Learn more: crmc.org/services/urgent-care . Help when you need it URGENT CARE CAPITAL HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of CAPITAL REGION MEDICAL CENTER. Information comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your primary care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.