Benefits of Visiting Urgent Care Clinic in Fairfax, VA

While most urgent care clinics are walk-in, as in there is no appointment necessary, a walk-in clinic is not always an urgent care. The primary differences here are what services are offered and the personnel on staff. Walk-in clinics are typically staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants, and thus offer less specialized services. They provide basic healthcare needs, like cold and flu symptoms, and treatment for mild cuts and injuries.

As for an urgent care clinic, they are typically staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants as well and usually have a doctor in the office or on call. Their technology and equipment are more advanced than a walk-in clinic and can treat mild to moderate injuries and illnesses, like a minor fracture or asthma. As with both places, in severe or life-threatening situations, patients will be referred to a hospital emergency room.

While anyone can go to urgent care, it is important to note that everyone should establish a relationship with a primary care physician. Having a primary contact for healthcare ensures team-based healthcare delivery led by a provider. The goal is to prevent the escalation of conditions due to the lack of preventive care and to maximize health outcomes.

Without a primary contact for healthcare, patients have a greater potential to end up in life-threatening situations in an emergency room, sometimes with fatal outcomes. Other benefits include integrated and comprehensive care, a history of medical records and treatments, and most often affordability of quality care.

While urgent care provides specialized care, there is no referral needed to visit one of these clinics. There isn’t even an appointment needed.

If you are experiencing any of these common, non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, they can be treated at an urgent care clinic:

• Allergic reactions and asthma
• Cuts, burns, bug bites and animal bites
• Falls, sprains, strains, and broken bones
• Colds and flu
• Pink eye
• Ear infections
• Sinus pressure and sinus infections (sinusitis)
• Bronchitis and strep throat

They also offer lab services, such as:

• Blood tests including basic and comprehensive metabolic panels, blood glucose, and complete blood counts
• Electrolyte testing
• STD tests
• Pregnancy tests
• Urinalysis
• Drug tests and screenings
• Fecal blood occult
• Flu and rapid flu tests
• Strep tests
• PT/INR tests

On top of that, they also provide preventative care:

• Vaccinations and flu shots
• Physicals (school, sports, or annual)
• Gynecologic exams
• Drug screening
• Well baby checks
And more

And lastly, if you have any of these symptoms and do not know the cause, visit your local urgent care center:

• Rashes and itching
• Coughing (and dry cough), sneezing and wheezing
• Sore throat and strep throat
• Body and muscle aches
• Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Other unexplained pain or swelling

If you or someone you know is in need of a top-rated urgent care clinic, come to Prima Urgent Care today! Our clinic is clean and staffed with caring professionals to provide you with top-quality care! To talk with an expert, contact our office today. Visit us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment at our clinic. We serve patients from South Riding VA, Fairfax VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Legato VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill, Lees Corner VA & BEYOND!