[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/08\/5-things-to-know-about-urgent-care-before-you-go\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/08\/5-things-to-know-about-urgent-care-before-you-go\/","headline":"5 Things To Know About Urgent Care Before You Go","name":"5 Things To Know About Urgent Care Before You Go","description":"Urgent care clinics provide convenient, express health care for minor illnesses and injuries. However, there are a few things you should know before you go.","datePublished":"2021-08-19","dateModified":"2025-06-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/chicken-noodle-soup-when-sick.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/chicken-noodle-soup-when-sick.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/08\/5-things-to-know-about-urgent-care-before-you-go\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":593,"articleBody":"Urgent care is a major convenience when you have a minor illness or injury. These clinics are available to everyone so you can get express health care whenever you need it. However, they work a little differently than regular doctors’ offices, so here are a few things you should know before you go.1. They Treat Only Minor Illnesses and Injuries.Urgent care is an excellent option for minor health conditions that need fast attention, but your regular doctor isn’t available. They can treat minor illnesses and injuries like:Colds, cough, and fluSinus infectionsNon-severe gastrointestinal virusesSore throats or strep throatCuts, scrapes, stitches, or sprainsMinor bone breaksUrinary tract infectionsEye infections\/pink eyeSkin rashesAnimal bitesBut, if you have a more severe or life-threatening illness or injury, you should go to the emergency room, not urgent care. Life-threatening situations might include:Major broken bones (arm or leg) and broken bones that come through your skinDeep cutsSevere allergic reactions or trouble breathingChest pain, or a suspected heart attack or strokeSevere abdominal painHead injuries or severe headachesLoss of consciousnessUrgent care clinics aren’t equipped to handle these types of life-threatening emergencies.2. You Don’t Need an Appointment.Yes, you read that right. Urgent care facilities are walk-in clinics. That means you can get fast, quality care when you need it \u2014 even in the evening or on the weekend. That’s especially comforting if you need stitches or have a minor broken bone and can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment.3. You Might Not Always See a Doctor.Urgent care clinicians include doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. So you might not see a doctor when you’re there. However, all are trained to treat a wide range of non-emergency health conditions.Also, they can write a prescription if needed and send it to your pharmacy. Some urgent care clinics have a pharmacy right on-site.4. There Are a Few Things to Bring When You Go.You’ll save time when you’re there and paperwork later on if you pack these things before you head out to urgent care:A photo ID.Your health insurance information.Your doctor’s office contact information.A list of any medications you take.Also, keep in mind that an urgent care clinic may not have access to your medical records. That means you’ll need to fill them in about your other health conditions, especially if you take medications for them. It’s essential to avoid any medication interactions.To keep things easy, visit a UPMC walk-in care location or a\u00a0UPMC Primary Care provider. UPMC\u2019s walk-in locations can also communicate with your primary care physician for any needed follow-up care.5. You Can Get Some Other Services at an Urgent Care ClinicMost urgent care clinics can provide quite a few other conveniences. They’re a great option if you or your family need:A flu shot.Routine immunizations.A TB (tuberculosis) test.A basic physical for work, sports, or summer camp.An X-ray.Get to Know UPMC’s Walk-in Care LocationsUrgent care is a great option to know about, and everyone should have one as a part of their health care team. Learn more about UPMC’s walk-in care services, and find a location that\u2019s convenient for you. Hopefully, you won\u2019t need it \u2014 but if you do, we\u2019ll be here for you.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 19, 2021, and was last reviewed on June 25, 2025.SourcesUPMC site"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"5 Things To Know About Urgent Care Before You Go","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/08\/5-things-to-know-about-urgent-care-before-you-go\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]