Healthcare clinics are becoming more and more popular in the United States. Healthcare clinics and urgent cares are popping up in drugstores and as stand-alone businesses in retail centers.  But, if you have never been to one, you may have many questions about how they work. Here are a few frequently asked questions you may have about healthcare clinics.

Why Are Healthcare Clinics Becoming So Popular?

Healthcare clinics and urgent care centers are becoming a popular way for individuals to get the medical care they need. However, you may find yourself wondering why there is a need for clinics and why people prefer them to a regular doctor's office. Here are a few reasons why these clinics and urgent care centers are in demand.

You Don't Need an Appointment

One of the major benefits to healthcare clinics is that you don't need an appointment to visit one. The majority of these clinics and care centers accept walk-in visits.

If you have ever tried to make an appointment with your doctor and found they could not fit you in, you understand how invaluable this can be. If you are not feeling well and want to be seen by a healthcare professional right away, a clinic is a great option.

They Can Treat Many Common Illnesses and Injuries

Another reason why healthcare clinics are becoming so popular is because they treat many common illnesses and injuries. If you slice your finger open and need stitches, odds are, your doctor will tell you to go to the emergency room. You can face a long wait there. Instead, you can head in to a healthcare clinic, where you can be stitched up quickly. Some of the conditions that you can have treated at a clinic include:

• Ear infections
• Strep throat
• Rashes
• Cuts or gashes that require glue, sutures or stitches
• Sprains and strains

They Are Often Less Expensive than Traditional Doctor's Offices

The last reason that clinics are becoming popular is because they often less expensive than traditional doctor's offices. This is because most clinics and urgent care centers rely on nurse practitioners and physician assistants, rather than doctors, to treat and diagnose patients. This helps you get the care you need at a price you can afford, especially if you are under-insured or not insured.

Will I See the Same Healthcare Professional at a Healthcare Clinic Each Time?

One of the downsides to healthcare clinics is that they typically don't take appointments. As such, the healthcare professional that you see one day may or may not be the same professional that you see the next day. However, since most of the conditions that you are seen for in a clinic are minor, it is rare that you will need extensive follow-up care, so seeing a different doctor will not be a big deal.   

Do Healthcare Clinics Accept Health Insurance Plans?

Many healthcare clinics do accept health insurance plans. In most cases, your co-pay will be the same with a healthcare clinic as it would have been with your regular doctor. However, not every clinic will accept every type of insurance. Before you visit a clinic, simply ask them if they accept your insurance or not. If they do, they will be able to tell you how much your co-pay will be at their office so you can decide whether to go there or try to make an appointment with your doctor.

If you don't have health insurance, don't have a doctor or can't get in to be seen by your doctor, you may want to consider visiting a healthcare clinic. A healthcare clinic allows you to get the treatment you need for minor illnesses and injuries without an appointment or long wait.

Visit http://www.EntiraFamilyClinics.com to learn more.