College life is filled with excitement, new experiences, and—inevitably—unexpected health issues. Whether it’s a sprained ankle from intramural sports, a lingering cough, or a sudden fever, navigating when and where to seek medical attention can be tricky for busy students. For non-emergency health concerns, urgent care centers offer a convenient option. But how do you know when it’s the right time to go?
Why Choose Urgent Care?
Urgent care centers are designed to handle medical issues that require prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening.
- Convenience and Flexibility
Urgent care centers typically have extended hours, meaning you can go after classes or even on the weekends. - No Appointments Necessary
At most centers, you can walk in anytime and get treated quickly. Some offer same and next-day scheduling online, as well as telemedicine visits. This is ideal when your schedule is packed or unpredictable. - Cost-Effective
Urgent care is typically cheaper than a visit to the emergency room, and most urgent care centers accept a variety of insurance plans, as well as cash and credit cards. - Fast Service
Unlike emergency rooms, where you might wait hours to be seen for a non-emergency issue, urgent care centers often have shorter wait times, so you can get in, get treated, and get back to your day.
Common Reasons for an Urgent Care Visit:
- Minor illnesses like colds, flu, strep or sore throat, or mono
- Minor injuries including sprains, cuts, and burns
- Ear infections, pink eye, sinus infections
- Allergic reactions, rashes or bug bites
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- STI/STD testing
- COVID-19 testing or relief
- Stomach issues including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Sports or minor injuries needing an X-ray
Benefits of Urgent Care for College Students
- You need immediate help but don’t have a primary care doctor in town. Many college students are away from home and you may not have a local doctor. Urgent care is a great resource when you’re sick or injured and need immediate attention. No need to navigate finding a new doctor or waiting for an appointment—you can just walk in.
- You feel sick, but it’s not life threatening. You might feel run down with symptoms like a sore throat, fever, or congestion. If you think you’ve caught a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, urgent care provides quick testing, diagnosis, and treatment to help you recover faster. If necessary, they can prescribe medications or recommend at-home remedies.
- Skin issues. Dealing with an unexplained rash, bug bites, or skin irritation? Urgent care providers can diagnose and treat common dermatological concerns, helping to stop itching and discomfort before it worsens.
Preparing for an Urgent Care Visit
Before heading to urgent care:
- Bring your insurance card (if applicable).
- Know your medical history: Be ready to share information about allergies, medications, and past medical conditions.
- Have a list of symptoms: This will help your health provider assess and diagnose your condition faster.
When to Skip Urgent Care and Head to the Emergency Room
While urgent care is great for many non-emergency situations, there are times when a visit to the emergency room is necessary:
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding or deep wounds
- Head injuries or signs of a concussion
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Broken bones that puncture the skin
- Suspected stroke or heart attack
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait—head to the emergency room immediately or call 911.
We’re close by and our health providers can help you stay as healthy as possible. Walk in or reserve a time online with Hold My Spot®.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine, American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine, UChicago Medicine, Next Phase Parenting