Most people know that when an illness or injury is severe or life-threatening you should go to an emergency room. But what about those times when you’re unsure? A walk-in clinic might be the right answer.
Read on to find out when it’s best to go to Wilmington 1st walk-in clinic or an emergency room.
Wilmington 1st Walk-in Clinic vs. Emergency Rooms
Walk-in clinics and emergency rooms are two very different places. Determining which option is best for you depends on what symptoms you’re experiencing and how severe they are.
Below, we break down common conditions you might experience and whether to visit Wilmington 1st walk-in walk-in clinic or an emergency room.
Wilmington 1st walk-in clinics
If you have a non-life threatening injury or illness, Wilmington 1st walk in clinic can provide the treatment you need to get better.
The following are some common conditions that can be treated by a provider at a walk-in clinic.
Wilmington 1st walk-in clinic symptoms, conditions, and injuries:
- Fever
- Ear pain
- Pink eye symptoms
- Sore throat
- Sinus infections
- Flu symptoms
- Cold symptoms
- Bug bites or stings
- Vomiting
- Sprains
- Shallow cuts
- Minor injuries (cuts, blisters, wounds)
- Skin conditions (rashes, sunburns, athlete’s foot, lice)
- Non-life-threatening allergic reactions
- Vaccinations
Pros of Wilmington 1st walk-in clinic
- No appointment needed
- Retail hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm)
- Less expensive than visiting ER
- Providers have access to your medical history
- Consistent and appropriate care for your acute illness or injury
- Accept most insurance carriers
- The fastest walk in clinic in Wilmington
For non-acute illnesses and injuries, Wilmington 1st walk-in also offers a wide range of services available by making an appointment.
Emergency rooms
Usually located within a hospital, emergency rooms care for people suffering from life-threatening symptoms of severe illnesses or injuries.
The following are some common conditions that can be treated by providers at an emergency room.
ER symptoms, conditions, and injuries:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries
- Cuts requiring stitches
- Severe headache
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of vision
- Loss of balance
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Numbness in extremities
- Severe pain in extremities
- Seizures
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
- Suicidal thoughts or altered mental state
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, please seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
Pros of emergency rooms:
- Depending on the severity of your condition, you can be seen quickly
- Generally open 24 hours per day, seven days per week
Cons of emergency rooms:
- Providers will have limited access to your medical records as you most likely don’t have a medical history established at an emergency room
- Can be much more expensive than a walk-in clinic
What to bring with you to Wilmington 1st walk-in clinic
When visiting a medical facility, make sure you have the following items with you:
- Most recent health insurance card
- State issued ID or driver’s licence
- List of medications you’re currently taking
- List of known allergies
- Emergency contact information
Walk-in at Wilmington 1st
Knowing where to go for acute treatment can help save your life. When you’re feeling sick or have a non-life-threatening injury, consider Wilmington 1st walk-in clinic before heading to an emergency room. However, if you’re experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms of any kind, it’s important you go to an emergency room right away.
At Wilmington 1st, Stop by Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm, and we will be here.