5 questions to ask before you leave Immediate Care

The decision to head to an Immediate Care Center isn’t always easy to make. Generally, it means you or someone you love had a health issue that just couldn’t wait.

You’ll first need to know what a medical emergency looks like before you rule out the emergency room. Learn when to go to Immediate Care vs the ER.

For a non-emergency health issue that can’t wait — when it’s after hours or there’s no time to schedule a doctor’s appointment — choosing immediate care can not only save you money, it can save you time as well.

“An urgent care setting, like one of our Immediate Care Centers, is a good option if you are dealing with a common illness like a sore throat or sinus condition, or a minor injury such as a sprain, cut or burn,” said Michelle Meziere, MD, physician executive for immediate care at Endeavor Health.

Once you’re at the clinic, it’s important to remember to gather some essential information before you head home.

“Your provider at an immediate care clinic will likely ask a lot of questions during your visit, as they are not your primary care provider,” Dr. Meziere said. “It’s OK for you to ask them questions as well. In fact, you should ask questions if anything is not entirely clear.”

Here are five questions you should ask before you leave:

1. What is my diagnosis? What does the immediate care provider think is going on, and how can you ensure you don’t end up back in the doctor’s office for the same issue? Getting a diagnosis will also help your primary care provider figure out how to best treat you going forward.
2. What symptoms would indicate my condition is worsening? Hopefully the clinic will be able to determine not only your diagnosis, but the best way to treat it and help you feel better. But it’s good to be aware of potential complications in case the condition does not improve. Ask the provider what to watch for, and what to do if you see concerning symptoms again.
3. What should I know about this prescribed medicine (if applicable)? Providers will usually explain how much and how long to take medication, but it’s vital to understand any drug you should take, how it works and whether there are any side effects. Also ask what to do if the medication doesn’t seem to help or if you have an allergic reaction to it.

4. When should I follow up with my primary care provider? After any immediate care visit, it’s important to follow up with your doctor to make sure the condition is managed and no further treatment is needed. The Immediate care provider will likely suggest a time frame, but if not, it’s a good question to ask.

   If you don’t have a primary care doctor, we can connect you with a provider who has appointment availability so you can get in to see them for a follow-up soon after your Immediate Care visit.

5. What are the next steps? This question could help clarify next steps if you feel anxious or frazzled. Your provider can lay out what you should do in the coming days and weeks to ensure you’re on the road to better health. The question could also serve as a recap to ensure you know exactly what to do.