An Urgent Care visit includes the evaluation and management of your symptoms in either an Urgent Care or Convenience Care Clinic setting.

• This is a place to go when you have symptoms that have begun recently and need evaluation, but you are unable to get an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP).
• A UCC or CCC is not the place to get routine medical care, which is best provided at your primary care provider's office. They are also not a place to go when you have a serious, life threatening emergency (such as a possible heart attack, stroke or major injury).

If you are not suffering from a life-threatening illness or injury, call your primary healthcare provider, or NurseLine, so you can describe your problems and get advice on how best to manage them. They can also help you decide whether your symptoms are appropriate for an UCC or CCC. For example, you can go to an UCC or CCC if you:

• Have sustained a minor trauma (including lacerations)
• Have a recent illness that is not severe or life-threatening

You should call 911 if you have:

• Sustained a major trauma (e.g. an automobile accident or a broken bone)
• Severe, unmanageable pain
• Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke (i.e., chest pain, difficulty using one side of the body or difficulty speaking)
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe dizziness or a fainting episode

This list does not include all possible examples of a possible life-threatening emergency.

• If you have a possible life-threatening illness or injury, such as above, call 911 immediately.
• Do not take yourself to the Emergency Room, even if there is someone to drive you.

Be an active participant in your healthcare. If you decide to go to a UCC or CCC, if possible:

• Bring a copy of your medical history (past illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations).
• Bring a list of your medications (including over-the-counter).
• Write down any questions, symptoms or concerns you want to talk about (if possible).

When you see the healthcare provider, here are some questions to ask. If you are being seen for an injury, not all questions will apply to your situation.

• What is causing my symptoms? When might I start to see improvement? What can I do to help improve my symptoms?
• What tests do I need? What is the reason for those tests? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, why do I need the tests?
• What treatment, if any, are you recommending? What options are available? What are the possible side effects?
• What are the follow-up plans, if any? What symptoms should I return to the emergency room for?

Make sure you should understand your treatment plan, any possible alternatives, and what medications are recommended (including possible side effects).

• If surgery is recommended, ask why that recommendation was made.
• Get a written copy of the information you were given and ask that a copy be sent to your primary care provider (PCP). .

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Minute

Urgent Care Visit - New Patient

Urgent Care Clinic

UCC

Emergency Room

Convenience Care Clinic

Clinic

CCC