Answering Our Patients’ Top Urgent Care FAQs
What Is Urgent Care?
Urgent care centers are same-day clinics that handle a variety of medical problems that require prompt treatment but aren’t life-threatening emergencies. Many people don’t realize urgent care is an option and go to the emergency room for any same-day or after-hours treatment they need. This can be an expensive mistake to make. It’s a good idea to visit an urgent care center such as EPIC Urgent & Family Care for symptoms such as:
- Rashes without fever
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Discharge, itchiness, or redness of the eye
- Painful urination
Does an urgent care center also offer family care?
Not all urgent care centers do, but EPIC Urgent & Family care does. Our Family Medicine clinicians are highly experienced in treating patients with acute illnesses (such as ear infections, bladder infections, acute sinusitis, etc.) and Chronic Illnesses (such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Asthma, etc.). In addition, our family doctors practice a patient-centered preventive care model that encourages people to get physicals, immunizations, and wellness check-ups on a routine basis.
Do you offer pediatric care?
Yes. Dr. Hetal Patel, a board-certified pediatrician, has been providing pediatric care at EUFC (EPIC Urgent & Family Care) for the past 5 years. She is affiliated with NCH (Northwest Community Hospital) and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. She can see your child for a well-child visit as well as school physicals and sick visits.
Do you provide vaccinations?
Yes, we provide pediatric vaccinations, vaccines required for entry into public schools, and a number of adult vaccinations and boosters, including for COVID-19. Make sure to keep up with your recommended vaccination schedule to maintain high levels of protection against preventable diseases.
Do you test for COVID-19?
Yes. We offer COVID-19 testing at our sick visit entrance, where you will present your ID and our staff will perform a nasal swab.
What should I do before my urgent care visit?
You can help your urgent care provider by bringing a list of your medications (including anything over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements) and how much and how often you take them. Also bring a list of your allergies (including to medication) and previous medical procedures or surgeries, when they were performed, and the names of the doctors who treated you. This information will help Dr. Patel know best how to address your symptoms.
How long will a visit to an urgent care center take?
Urgent care centers like ours are designed for walk-in medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses. You don’t need an appointment in advance, though you can call us to see if there is currently any wait time. The length of your appointment with Dr. Patel will vary depending on the condition for which you require treatment.
What is the difference between urgent care and an emergency room?
Urgent care should not be considered an alternative to emergency medicine. They serve different purposes. Urgent care is for an illness or injury that you would feel comfortable addressing with your primary care doctor but don’t want to wait days or weeks for an appointment. The emergency room is for life- or limb-threatening situations. The following symptoms are good reasons to go to the emergency room:
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Fainting or a change in mental state
- Concussion
- Injury to the head or eye
- Serious burns
- Broken bones or dislocated joints
- Fever accompanied by a rash
- Seizures
- Severe cuts that may need stitches
- Lacerations to the face
- Severe symptoms of cold or flu
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
What other services do you offer?
In addition to treating your family’s non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses and providing walk-in care, we offer a variety of services like drug testing, STD testing, telemedicine, DOT medical card exams, physicals, and IV nutrition or vitamin therapies for various symptoms.
Walk Into Our Clinic Today!
If you or a family member have a life-threatening illness or injury, stop by our clinic. You can also learn more about us by checking our business pages, and make sure to get directions before you head our way. We are located in Palantine and Streamwood.
