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Emergency Rooms, Walk-In Clinics, and Urgent Care Centres

When you have a medical concern, whether minor or serious, knowing which health care services are accessible to you is key to ensuring that you receive the proper care. Often, family doctors don't offer same-day appointments; and as a result, you may find yourself wondering what your alternatives are. Your choices will depend on the severity of your symptoms, as well as what type of medical attention is required.

Emergency rooms
Walk-in clinics
Urgent care centres

Emergency rooms

Emergency rooms provide immediate assistance to patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because they are located in hospitals, emergency rooms offer access to various medical specialists, and will result in admission to the hospital, if necessary (e.g., for further testing and health monitoring). When visiting emergency rooms, be aware that patients are seen in order of urgency, not arrival time. Medical emergencies may include serious burns, poisoning, severe infections, suspected or actual head trauma (a concussion vs. a blow to the head which results in an open wound), chest pain, difficulty breathing, altered level of consciousness, unexplained vision problems, unexplained bleeding or bleeding resulting from an injury, or unexplained pain.

Walk-in clinics

Walk-in clinics are typically staffed by a variety of health professionals, including family doctors, nurses, and in some cases, physician's assistants and/or nurse practitioners. These clinics are convenient, and sometimes serve as a quick and easy alternative to a family doctor's office. Walk-in clinics are usually open on evenings and weekends, and do not require an appointment. Patients are typically accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don't have a family doctor, are currently on a waitlist, and/or tend to visit walk-in clinics in lieu of your family doctor, try to visit the same clinic each time; that way, your medical records can be kept in one spot. These types of health facilities are best for minor health concerns.

Urgent care centres

Urgent care centres provide a variety of treatment services for uncomplicated, non-life threatening conditions that often require same-day treatment. Many of these centres also provide blood work and diagnostic services, such as x-rays or ultrasounds; however, it is important to note that surgeries will not be performed here. This means that while doctors at urgent care centres may put a cast on a broken leg, they will not be able to surgically repair it. Patients are typically accepted based on the urgency of their condition.

Key Websites:

• Alberta Health Services: Urgent care centres
• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Types of care centres

Related Articles:

• Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant: Who should I see, and when?
• Family Doctors vs. General Practitioners: What exactly is the difference?
• I’m Pretty Healthy. Do I still need to see a doctor?
• Locating Health Facilities Near You
• Periodic Health Examinations: Upgrading your annual physical
• Provincial Nurse Hotlines

References