It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and your family is enjoying a hike at Concord Park when someone slips and twists an ankle. The pain is sharp, and swelling begins immediately. You wonder if it’s serious enough to go to the emergency room, but hesitate at the thought of a long wait and a hefty bill. In many situations like this one, a trip to urgent care is a better option.

Knowing the difference between when to visit an urgent care center like AFC Farragut and when to go to the emergency room can help you make the right choice for your health and your wallet. Understanding the types of conditions urgent care can treat and the services offered by our clinic can give you peace of mind the next time an unexpected health concern arises.

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What is Urgent Care and How Can AFC Farragut Help?

Urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that still require prompt attention. We provide fast and professional medical care for a wide range of health concerns. You do not need an appointment, and we are open seven days a week with extended hours to better serve you and your family.

Our experienced team provides care for patients of all ages, and we are equipped with on-site digital X-rays and lab testing so you can get answers and treatment without visiting multiple locations.

Common Conditions Treated at AFC

Here are some of the most common reasons people visit our urgent care center:

• Sprains, strains, and minor fractures
• Cuts, bruises, and minor burns
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Ear infections and sore throats
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Rashes, skin infections, and allergic reactions
• Urinary tract infections
• Mild asthma flare-ups and breathing difficulties
• Pink eye and other eye irritations
• Mild headaches and back pain

We also provide important health services that many families need throughout the year, including:

• Sports and school physicals
• Vaccinations and immunizations
• COVID-19, flu, strep, and RSV testing
• Occupational health services
• Travel medicine consultations

Because we offer a wide range of services, AFC Farragut can treat many of the same conditions that your primary care provider addresses, but with the convenience of walk-in care and extended hours.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room Instead?

While urgent care can handle many medical concerns, there are times when it is essential to go straight to the emergency room. If you or someone else is experiencing a life-threatening emergency or a condition that could rapidly worsen, the ER is the right choice.

You should seek emergency care or call 911 if you experience:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness, confusion, or slurred speech
• Major injuries like deep wounds or broken bones with visible deformity
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Seizures or loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reactions
• Burns that cover a large area or are very deep
• Vomiting blood or continuous vomiting

These symptoms require immediate and advanced care that only an emergency department can provide.

Why Choose AFC Over the ER for Non-Emergencies?

Shorter Wait Times
At our clinic, most patients are seen much faster than they would be in a hospital emergency room. Since ERs prioritize the most critical cases, patients with non-life-threatening concerns often face long waits.

Lower Costs
Urgent care visits are typically much more affordable than emergency room visits. According to the National Institutes of Health, many urgent care visits cost only a third of what you might pay for similar care in the ER. We accept most insurance plans and offer transparent self-pay pricing to keep care accessible.

Convenient Hours and Walk-In Availability
Health issues do not follow a 9-5 schedule. That is why we stay open every day of the week with extended hours. Whether it is early in the morning or later in the evening, we are here when you need us.

Comprehensive Services in One Location
With on-site X-rays, lab testing, vaccinations, and routine care services, you can get the answers and treatment you need all in one place. There is no need to visit multiple locations or wait days for results.

Compassionate, Professional Care
Our team is committed to providing high-quality, respectful care in a comfortable setting. Whether you are dealing with a sprain, a sore throat, or another urgent health issue, we are ready to help you feel better fast.

The Takeaway

Choosing between urgent care and the emergency room can feel overwhelming in the moment. But when the issue is urgent and uncomfortable rather than life-threatening, AFC is here for you. With shorter wait times, lower costs, and a wide range of services, urgent care is often the smart choice for busy individuals and families.

So whether it is a twisted ankle during a weekend hike or a high fever that comes on overnight, you can count on AFC Farragut to provide timely, professional, and convenient care close to home.

Walk in today or schedule your visit online and experience care that works around your life.