Choose A Suitable Walk-In Clinic Now So That You Don't Have To Fuss When You Need One
When a family member gets sick and requires non-emergency medical care, the last thing you want to do is begin researching which walk-in clinics are in your area and perusing online reviews for each. It's easier to set some time aside when this type of medical care isn't needed to identify the walk-in clinic that will best suit your family's needs. At a time that walk-in services are needed, you can then head to your chosen clinic without having to second guess whether you've made the right decisions. Here are some things to learn about as you work toward making your decision:
Call-In Help
Although its name indicates how you receive care, walk-in clinics are sometimes equipped to dispense medical help over the phone. You might not always feel that it's necessary to visit the clinic in person, so it can be a relief to know that you can call the clinic, speak to a medical professional, and then use what information you get to decide whether you should visit the clinic or not. For example, if your child is sick, the person on the other end of the phone may ask you to detail his or her symptoms, take his or her temperature, and take other steps — and then let you know if you should head to the walk-in clinic.
Hours Of Availability
Some walk-in clinics are open 24 hours a day, while others use more conventional business hours. Those that are open longer are a better choice for you, provided that these clinics have solid ratings that you can find online. If you do feel as though a clinic with limited hours is the right choice for you, it doesn't hurt to select a backup walk-in clinic with longer hours if someone in your family is sick during the night.
Services That Are Provided
Different walk-in clinics offer different services to some degree. Some walk-in clinics are most basic, diagnosing and treating common illnesses and addressing minor injuries. Others have more enhanced amenities, such as on-site ultrasound services, blood labs, and more. An effective way to evaluate different walk-in clinics is to see which services are provided at each. While it's impossible for you to assess which services you or your family members may need in the future, it's generally a better choice is you can opt for walk-in clinics that offer more for its patients.