HDR Healthcare Network centers are medical facilities that can provide treatment for minor injuries and non-life-threatening illnesses. They also offer services like laboratory work and vaccinations. Their availability has given patients convenient access to medical services. However, before going to any urgent care center, here's what you should consider.

What You Should Know Before Going to An Urgent Care Center

1. They Are Not Emergency Rooms

The term "urgent" may get them mistaken as an alternative to the emergency room, but it is important to note that they are not equipped to deal with life-threatening cases such as heart attacks and major trauma. If you are faced with a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

2. Some Facilities Accept Appointments and Online Check-Ins

Most urgent care facilities accept patients on a first-come-first-served basis. That means you can walk in anytime during operating hours, be added to the list, and wait for your turn. Your wait time may vary between 15-45 minutes, depending on how busy the clinic is. Some urgent care centers accept appointments, so call them to ask. Online check-ins and filling out your medical history form ahead of time can also reduce your wait time considerably. 

3. You Will Pay for Services

Typically, insurance does cover urgent care services, so you need to pay out-of-pocket. Insurance companies set the copay, or a deductible you pay on the spot before your insurance starts to foot the bill. The usual range of copay for urgent care is between $40 and $75. Make sure to check with your insurance provider, so you know what to expect. 

For quality health education, prevention, or wellness services, choose HDR Healthcare Network. They have a network of medical facilities and physicians in Upper Manhattan and West Bronx, NY, that provide a range of healthcare services, including pediatrics, Internal medicine, and senior care. Call (929) 256-5005 or visit their website for more information.