The number of urgent care centers in this country is growing at an unprecedented rate. In fact, every week, an estimated 3 million Americans visit any of the nation’s 9,000 urgent care centers, a number of which are pediatric-specific. And with all the benefits these providers offer families seeking fast, reliable care, no wonder children’s urgent care centers are becoming the urgent care providers of choice. Here are just a few reasons why children’s urgent care centers in the United States are booming –
Shorter Wait Times
If you’ve ever been to an emergency room, you know how overcrowded they can be. Naturally, someone suffering a life-threatening emergency will be seen before your toddler with a tummy ache. Which of course is justified, but try explaining that to your toddler. Likewise, it may take days to be seen by your pediatrician. None of this occurs at a children’s urgent care, where walk-ins are accepted, hours are flexible and appointments can be made online or over the phone.
Pediatric Expertise
Emergency room doctors and those at non-pediatric urgent care center most oftentimes are generalists, meaning they can provide care to sustain you until you see a specialist. This is not the case at a children’s urgent care, where you can rest assured your child will be seen by an experienced pediatrician. Plus, any specialists your child sees during his visit will also be trained in pediatric care.
Budget-friendly Care
A visit to the emergency room can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and there is no guarantee that every specialist you see is in network, elevating costs even more. At a children’s urgent care center, there is only one low-co-pay that extends to every specialist encountered or procedure performed. Even a visit to your pediatrician can cost you more, as you may be referred to an imaging practice, orthopedic specialist, or laboratory for additional diagnostics or treatment.
Less Germs, No Trauma
Pediatrician offices and emergency rooms are filled with germs and viruses – the last thing a child with a sprained arm needs to be exposed to. Plus they can be chaotic and even scary for a child who already is feeling ill or has been injured. Children’s urgent care centers are designed to make your child feel safe and comfortable, with kid-friendly staff who know how to reassure a worried child – and her parents!
Other Convenient Services
Children’s urgent care centers not only provide care for unexpected illnesses and incidents, they also offer walk-in services, like vaccinations, school and camp physicals, breathing treatments and diagnostic testing. No need to get on a wait list at your pediatrician’s office, simply walk in or make an appointment online. Plus, expanded hours are parent-friendly, meaning that if your child injures herself at afterschool practice, you can swing by for care on your way home.
Children’s Urgent Care Center in San Antonio, Texas
Parents know: when it comes to your child, minor injuries and illnesses never come at a convenient time. That’s why children’s urgent care centers exist! If you happen to live in San Antonio, look no further than Tots ‘N’ Teens Pediatric Urgent Care. Our doctors and nurses love kids, and we make sure your child’s visit is a positive and relaxing one. We welcome walk-ins and online check-ins for faster processing! If you have any questions, give us a call at (210) 267-5411 or check-in online now.
