In a perfect world, there would be no such thing as medical emergencies. Or they would only happen from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday – and of course, your doctor would see you immediately.

But we don’t live in a perfect world, and unexpected illnesses and injuries don’t always fit within traditional office hours. For patients who cannot wait for a scheduled appointment with their primary care physician and want to avoid a lengthy and costly ER visit, urgent care is an ideal solution.

May is Urgent Care Awareness Month, and we invite you to join FastMed in celebrating this convenient way to get quality care when you need it most.

The Role of Urgent Care in the U.S. Healthcare System

When unexpected health issues arise and your doctor is unavailable, your first reaction may be to head straight to the emergency room. But if your illness or injury is not life-threatening, an ER visit often ends up costing you more in both time and money.

The urgent care industry was the first to offer healthcare in a more consumer-focused way, providing quality care on a walk-in basis for urgent – but not emergency – situations. Today, urgent care plays a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system, bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care for patients across the nation.

Convenience Is a Major Factor

Convenience is one of the top reasons why patients choose urgent care over emergency rooms. Studies show that nearly 80% of the U.S. population is within a 10-minute drive of an urgent care clinic, and 44% of patients choose urgent care due to its convenient location. In fact, ER visits decrease by over 17% when an urgent care clinic opens nearby – allowing emergency rooms to focus on true emergencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an influx of patients to urgent care clinics across America, many of whom had never taken advantage of urgent care before. The Urgent Care Association reports that patient volume is now up 60% over pre-COVID times, proving that convenience and quality care go a long way.

Why Choose Urgent Care?

Convenience is just one of the many benefits of urgent care. Some other reasons to choose urgent care include:

• Shorter wait time

  Get the care you need quickly instead of spending hours waiting in a crowded emergency room.

• Lower cost

  Why pay more to treat illnesses or injuries that aren’t life-threatening? Urgent care at FastMed costs much less than emergency care.

• Flexible hours

  FastMed clinics are open seven days a week, with extended hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays.

• No appointment needed

  You never have to make an appointment at FastMed – just walk in any time during business hours. You can also schedule your visit online in advance.

Urgent Care Services at FastMed

FastMed treats a wide range of illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention, including:

• Asthma
• Bee stings, insect bites & allergic reactions
• Colds, flu, fevers & viruses
• Cuts, scrapes, wounds, abrasions & burns
• Diabetic issues
• Dislocations
• Earaches
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Minor dermatology & skin care
• Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
• Respiratory infections
• Sinus infections
• Sore throat & strep throat
• Sports injuries
• Sprains, strains & broken bones
• STD testing & treatment
• Urinary tract infections

FastMed also offers many on-site services to provide all the care you need in one convenient location, including:

• Basic pulmonary function test (spirometry)
• Ear lavage
• EKG
• Incision & drainage
• Medication administration
• Medical evaluations
• Minor surgical procedures
• Nebulizer treatments
• Partial casting & splinting
• Sutures & stitches
• Wound care
• X-Rays

Family Medicine Available
at Select FastMed Locations

FastMed also offers family medicine at select locations. Like urgent care, these services are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis.

FastMed medicine providers are trained to serve people of all ages, including infants and young children. Family medicine focuses on delivering comprehensive care, diagnosing health conditions as early as possible and improving overall health and wellness. We also build lasting doctor-patient relationships.

FastMed’s family medicine practice includes:

• Checkups & physicals for infants, children & adults
• Vaccinations & flu shots for children & adults
• Preventive care & health education
• Acute & chronic illness management
• Diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension & endocrine issues
• Gynecological exams & reproductive healthcare
• Weight loss & smoking cessation management
• Cancer Screenings

FastMed Is Here for You

Whether you need urgent care or family medicine, you can count on FastMed to provide you with convenient and affordable care. FastMed accepts nearly all health insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) and offers exclusive options for self-pay patients.

Urgent care plays an important role in keeping America healthy – and FastMed can do the same for you! To get started, find a clinic near you.

About FastMed

FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.