What are common treatments provided in urgent care?

Common Treatments Provided in Urgent Care

Urgent care centers provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, offering a wide range of treatments that bridge the gap between primary care and emergency departments.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

• Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol are first-line treatments for acute asthma symptoms and exacerbations 1
• Nebulized medications and inhaled bronchodilators for respiratory distress 1
• Oxygen therapy based on clinical judgment, particularly when oxygen saturation falls below 90% 1
• Non-invasive ventilation for patients with respiratory distress 1

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Oral antihypertensives for hypertensive urgencies (diastolic BP >120 mmHg without acute organ damage) 2
• ECG monitoring and evaluation for patients with chest pain or suspected cardiac issues 1
• Initial stabilization and referral for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction 1
• Blood pressure monitoring and management for hypertensive patients 3

Infectious Disease Management

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics for suspected infections 1
• Drainage of uncomplicated abscesses, including perianal abscesses 1
• Testing for specific pathogens like Clostridioides difficile in patients with diarrhea 1

Trauma and Injury Care

• Wound cleaning, suturing, and dressing for lacerations and minor wounds 4
• Splinting and immobilization for sprains, strains, and simple fractures 4
• Tetanus prophylaxis for contaminated wounds 4
• Initial management of minor burns and abrasions 4

Diagnostic Services

• Point-of-care laboratory testing (complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, urinalysis) 1
• Basic imaging including X-rays and sometimes ultrasound 1
• Rapid strep tests, influenza testing, and COVID-19 testing 1

Pain Management

• Oral and injectable analgesics for acute pain 4
• Anti-inflammatory medications for musculoskeletal conditions 4
• Local anesthetics for minor procedures 4

Gastrointestinal Issues

• Intravenous fluids for dehydration 1
• Anti-emetics for nausea and vomiting 1
• Initial management of uncomplicated gastrointestinal conditions 1

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Urgent care is not appropriate for life-threatening emergencies such as severe trauma, chest pain with suspected myocardial infarction, or stroke symptoms, which require immediate emergency department care 5
• Clinical signs may not be reliable in immunocompromised patients, requiring more careful evaluation 1
• Patients often overestimate the urgency of their condition compared to physician assessments (44.4% of patients vs. 12.6% of physicians rate conditions as needing immediate attention) 5
• Many patients present to emergency settings with conditions that could be managed in other settings, often due to being advised to do so by health professionals 6

Appropriate Referral

• Patients with severe conditions requiring hospital admission should be stabilized and transferred appropriately 1
• Follow-up care arrangements should be made for patients discharged from urgent care 1
• Clear discharge instructions and return precautions should be provided to all patients 1