Urgent care centers are equipped to handle concerns related to COVID-19, serving as a necessary intermediary between routine primary care and the Emergency Room. They provide immediate medical attention for acute, non-life-threatening illnesses that require prompt evaluation. For symptoms that are concerning but not severe, an urgent care provider offers timely assessment, diagnostic testing, and determines the appropriate course of treatment. This approach helps manage patient flow and ensures emergency departments remain available for life-threatening conditions.
COVID-19 Services Available at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers offer clinical services to address potential or confirmed COVID-19 infections. Diagnostic testing is readily available, including the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and the rapid antigen test. Providers use these results, alongside a physical assessment, to formulate a care plan focused on symptom management. They can recommend or prescribe appropriate medications for common symptoms like fever, body aches, and congestion to support recovery at home.
Urgent care evaluates patient eligibility for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid. These medications are recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at a higher risk of developing severe illness, such as those over age 50 or with certain underlying health conditions. Antivirals must be started within five days of symptom onset to be most effective. Urgent care provides rapid access, allowing authorized providers to write these prescriptions and ensure high-risk patients begin treatment without delay.
When Urgent Care is the Right Choice
Urgent care is appropriate for non-severe symptoms that warrant professional medical assessment. These issues require clinical oversight to manage discomfort and monitor for potential complications, but they do not pose an immediate threat to your life or ability to breathe. Urgent care centers specialize in providing this level of intermediate care quickly and affordably. Symptoms appropriate for urgent care include:
- Persistent fever
- Worsening cough
- Significant congestion
- Sore throat
- Generalized body aches
The speed of access is a deciding factor compared to other options like primary care or telehealth. While primary care offers comprehensive services, they may not have immediate appointment availability, delaying necessary testing or treatment. Telehealth is useful for simple needs, but it lacks the ability for a physical examination and in-person diagnostic testing available at an urgent care facility. When symptoms escalate beyond simple home management but are not life-threatening, urgent care provides the necessary balance of promptness and clinical capability.
Choosing the Emergency Room Instead
It is important to recognize when symptoms cross the threshold from urgent care appropriate to an emergency requiring immediate attention at a hospital Emergency Room (ER). The ER handles life-threatening complications that can arise from a COVID-19 infection. If you experience severe difficulty breathing, such as feeling short of breath while resting or struggling to speak in full sentences, seek emergency care immediately. This indicates that respiratory function may be dangerously compromised.
Several warning signs indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation:
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, which may indicate inflammation of the heart or lungs.
- New confusion, an inability to wake up, or extreme difficulty staying awake.
- A bluish or pale discoloration of the lips or face, suggesting dangerously low oxygen levels (hypoxia).
- A pulse oximeter reading consistently below 92%.
Practical Steps for Your Urgent Care Visit
Before arriving at the urgent care center, call ahead and inform the staff that you have COVID-19 symptoms or are seeking a test. This allows the facility to prepare for your arrival and implement safety protocols, such as directing you to a separate waiting area. Calling ahead minimizes potential exposure to other patients and staff. You may be instructed on where to park or enter the building, sometimes utilizing drive-up check-in procedures.
Upon arrival, wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask, such as an N95 or KN95 respirator, to reduce viral transmission. Be prepared to present your photo identification and insurance card, as having this information ready streamlines the registration process. Following staff directions helps maintain a safe environment, as facilities have enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures in place.