By Annette Pinder
It’s Saturday afternoon, and you suddenly notice some blisters on your torso. You are also feeling pain in the area, along with a burning sensation. Wondering if this is truly an emergency, you think, “Should I ignore it and hope it gets better, go to a hospital emergency room (ER), or visit an immediate care facility?”
Sometimes, when it is simply a matter of some mild aches and pains, a sore throat, or cough, you might decide that the best course of action is to take it easy, drink plenty of fluids, keep warm, take some Tylenol, and monitor your symptoms. However, if your symptoms seem to be worsening, it is often a good idea to be seen and evaluated at an urgent care center.
Visit WNY Immediate Care When:
If you are experiencing a non-life-threatening illness, fever, infection, or other ailment, it is typically faster, more convenient, and less expensive to visit an immediate care center, rather than the ER. Such illnesses and injuries include sprains and strains, minor fractures, rashes and skin irritations, minor cuts and abrasions, mild to moderate asthma, moderate back pain, urinary tract infections, ear infections, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, fever or suspected flu or COVID, vomiting and diarrhea, and minor eye injuries.
Visit the ER When:
On the other hand, more serious situations should be evaluated at the ER. They include head injuries with loss of consciousness or drowsiness, and/or confusion; severe burns; severe chest pain or pressure; shortness of breath; excessive or uncontrollable bleeding; choking, coughing, or vomiting blood; seizures; compound fractures; sudden or severe headaches; paralysis or weakness; sudden changes in vision; a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis; electric shock; or a fever above 105 degrees.
WNY Immediate Care centers are equipped with board-certified physicians who treat both adult and pediatric patients 7 days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 24/7 virtually. All locations are brand-new and in convenient locations with spacious exam rooms that accommodate a support visitor, with procedure rooms for suturing and splinting. Each location is also equipped with digital X-rays and onsite radiology technicians who can review results quickly and confirm a diagnosis.
Immediate Care Locations Near You
Amherst: 4988 Harlem Road, Amherst, NY 14226, 716-564-2273
Buffalo: 2228 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216, 716-874-2273
Depew: 6375 Transit Road, Suite 2000, Depew, NY 14043, 716-684-2273
Orchard Park: 3346 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, NY 14127, 716-675-3700.
To hold your spot for an in-person visit, start a virtual visit, or call, visit https://www.wnyimmediatecare.com/location/.
