Three Common Walk-in Clinic Myths

Though walk-in clinics are becoming a more widely-known point of healthcare, there is still a wide variety of myths and misconceptions that come along with it. To ensure everyone is aware of their full healthcare options, here are some commonly-thought walk-in clinic / urgent care myths, and the facts you should know:

1. MYTH: Walk-in or Urgent Care Clinics Won’t Provide Quality Service

When visiting the Walk-in Clinic, you can be sure that you are getting quality care from our experienced staff of physicians and physicians’ assistants. From treating a cold to X-ray services, it’s an excellent option for urgent, non-emergency situations when you can’t get in with your primary. They are also trained to know when your situation is more of an emergency and will direct you to proper care when needed.

2. MYTH: You Only Should Go in an Emergency

Another common issue is the misconception that it’s another form of an emergency department/room. Though some problems, like a moderate or mild wound or a sports or work injury, can be handled at the walk-in clinic, there are several situations where the emergency room is best.

Think of the walk-in clinic as a place for urgent matters, where the emergency department should be for an emergency. Some reasons to visit our walk-in clinic include:

• Fever, flu, pneumonia
• Headaches
• Mild asthma attacks
• Mild burns or wounds
• X-ray and lab test
• Work injuries or accidents

However, you’ll want to head to the emergency department right away if you are experienced anything that could be time-sensitive and life-threatening such as:

• Chest pains
• Stroke symptoms
• Severe asthma attacks
• Loss of consciousness

3. MYTH: Walk-in or Urgent Care clinics are a Good Replacement for Primary Care

Though the hours are more flexible, and many of the same ailments your doctor usually handles can be treated at the walk-in clinic, it’s still essential to visit a primary care doctor for routine visits.

Doing so can help build a great doctor/patient relationship and allows them to better understand your past health history along with your family's health history. This, in turn, will enable them to provide better testing and preventive care.

If you have a mild headache, fever, or rash, and can’t get into your doctor, Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, is here to help. We can provide you with the personal and quality care you need. Save your spot in line or walk-in today! Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/wic.