Each year, millions of dollars are spent on ER visits for matters that could have been treated at an urgent care clinic. For non-life threatening injuries and illnesses, here’s some ER visits you can avoid with an urgent care clinic!

What’s the Data?

Studies and polls show that nearly 25% of all emergency room visits could have been treated an an urgent care facility. Further, it’s estimated that a potential cost savings of $4.4 billion is lost each year due to these visits. Since emergency rooms are equipped to treat life-threatening injuries, they’re equipped with the necessary tools and staff to do just that. Consequently, this is why the average ER visit is upwards of $1,000.

On the other hand, urgent care clinics are equipped and staffed to handle non-life threatening injuries and illnesses, which is why the average urgent care visit falls between the range of $150 – $200. With that said, many may want to visit an emergency room right away just to feel safe. However, clinics like Next Level Urgent Care will immediately refer a patient to an emergency room or even a specialist if the injury/illness is deemed untreatable on site.

ER Visits You Can Avoid

With all this said, there is still some confusion about what constitutes a “life-threatening” injury. Further, there are certain conditions that many are unsure if an urgent care can treat. If you’re looking to avoid an emergency room visit this year, here’s a list of some of common injuries that can be treated at your neighborhood Next Level Urgent Care!

• Broken bones or fractures – Not only can broken bones be treated at an urgent care clinic, but Next Level specifically is one of the few that can perform splints in house.
• Burns – So long as the burns are not 3rd degree, these can be treated at an urgent care clinic. Burns are of the most common injuries people visit ERs for.
• Respiratory illnesses – From pneumonia and even asthma, most respiratory illnesses can be treated at an urgent care.
• Rashes – Rashes that pop-up unexpectedly are often cause for a scare. However, even if occurring from an allergic reaction, these don’t have to be assessed at an ER!
• Skin damage – From stitches, lacerations, puncture wounds or even abscess treatment, we’re equipped to treat you in house.
• Fever, flu and strep – Often among the most miserable viruses, which is why many rush to an ER for a remedy! Not only will an urgent care treat you quicker than an ER on this front, it will cost you much less.

Tips and Reminders From Our Team

• Always call ahead. Next Level won’t leave your call on hold like other clinics. When in doubt, reach out!
• Keep our patient care list handy (linked below), as it lists a variety of conditions we treat.
• If you’re in the Houston, Beaumont, Austin or San Antonio area, there’s a Next Level near you! Click “locations” to find your nearest clinic.
• Remember, we will always refer you to an ER or specialist if we feel your condition can’t be treated in house.
• From newborns to nanas, we treat everyone regardless of age!
• Keep in mind that Next Level provides flexible payment options for both insured and uninsured patients.