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Urgent Care Q & A 

 

What is Urgent Care?

 

Urgent care offers treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses that require immediate care. Urgent care facilities — such as those where Dr. Butter practices — are often referred to as walk-in clinics, since no appointment is necessary. 

 

What is the difference between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room?

 

Many people confuse urgent care and emergency room services, or not even realize they’re two different things. It’s important to know when a visit to urgent care is appropriate and when you should head to the emergency room for treatment. 

Urgent care is an option for non-threatening illness or injury. Examples of when you would go to urgent care are: 

• Mild fever

• Sore throat

• Mild asthma flare-up

• Sinus issues

• Broken bones

• Small cuts (that may or may not require stitches)

The emergency room is the best option for you if you’re experiencing a life-threatening problem. You should visit an emergency room if you’re experiencing: 

• Newborns with a fever

• Broken bones (with bones breaking through the skin)

• Loss of consciousness

• Serious wounds (such as knife and gunshot wounds)

• Chest pain and difficulty breathing

• Pregnancy-related complications

• Head and neck injuries

 

What are the benefits of going to Urgent Care?

If you’re feeling ill or get injured outside of regular office hours, Dr. Butter offers the added benefit of urgent care hours operating out of two conveniently-located hospitals — unlike a lot of family physicians. 

Leaving for a big trip tomorrow and feel a tickle in your throat? Dr. Butter sees patients during urgent care service hours at UPMC Passavant and UPNC Passavant Cranberry hospitals to fit you in before you go.

The urgent care offices at UPMC Passavant and UPNC Passavant Cranberry are open longer hours, on weekends, and evening and night hours. They both offer urgent care clinics that are open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you need medical attention right away, be sure to visit Dr. Butter at UPMC Passavant and UPNC Passavant Cranberry for urgent care.