Did you know that the most common fracture suffered by people over the age of 75 is a hip fracture? And that for people under 75, it is a wrist fracture? Many people sustain these kinds of injuries every year, and they often rush to the emergency room for treatment. But, because a fracture is usually not life threatening, they might have to wait for a while before being seen. And contacting their family health care physician might also take a while, as he or she could be booked solid. In this case, these patients could head to an urgent care center near them for treatment.

You may not realize that urgent care centers can treat most non-life threatening illnesses, injuries, and conditions that do not require a trip to the ER, but do need immediate care. In fact, about 20% of visits to the ER could have been treated by an urgent care center, according to a 2010 study by the Rand Corporation, which could save the health care industry more than $4 billion every year. It could also ease the burden, and wait time, on the ER.

There are some urgent care centers that offer 24 hr urgent care, and can provide quality treatment for most of these injuries and illness. These centers are staffed by medical professionals, and it is not hard to find a doctor to treat you, because urgent care facilities are required to have a physician on-site at all times. Patients typically only have to wait a maximum of 20 minutes to be seen, and they are often instructed to follow up with their family health care physician after treatment.

So if you sustain an injury, or you become sick, one of your best options is an urgent care center near you. About 3 million people in the U.S. visit these centers every week because of their availability and convenience. They are open 7 days a week, and usually operate beyond normal business hours. It could be the best way to get the care you need, when you need it. Research more like this: doctorsexpresscherrycreek.com