All the differences you need to know about Urgent Cares and MinuteClinics. Learn why our clinic near you is a reliable choice.
It always seems to happen at an inconvenient time. Perhaps you’re enjoying a morning of rich history at the Caldwell Heritage Museum or an evening bike ride on the Lenoir Greenway. Then suddenly, you get cold chills, a shooting pain in your calf, or find yourself frantically searching for the closest restroom.
You know something isn’t right, so, if you find yourself googling “where to get care fast” or “do I need urgent care or something else?” You wouldn’t be alone. Deciding the right place to go when you’re injured, sick or just feeling off can be confusing. Urgent Care centers and MinuteClinics are two of the most common and reliable options people talk about.
But in Lenoir, there’s a small catch: there are no nearby MinuteClinics. So, if you’re looking for fast, reliable care in our area, it’s important to know what urgent cares like AFC Lenoir actually offer and why it’s often the choice of locals.
What is a MinuteClinic?
If you’ve stepped into a retail store like CVS or Target, you may have seen them. MinuteClinics are walk-in medical clinics designed for quick and basic care. They are usually staffed with physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners. MinuteClinics could be ideal if you’re running errands and you feel that pain in your side again, but not if your condition is more than mildly annoying.
Common services:
- Minor illnesses like colds, flu, and strep throat
- Skin conditions like rashes and minor burns
- Minor injuries such as sprains or bug bites
- Routine vaccinations such as the flu or COVID-19
- Basic screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
MinuteClinics are fine if you know you’re going out, but may not be ideal when you want to avoid a drive. With the closest one being in Hickory, a MinuteClinic is not your most convenient choice.
So, What is an Urgent Care?
Urgent Care centers like AFC Lenoir can handle more than just the sniffles. We offer a diverse range of services that you can access outside the common 9-5 hours including holidays and weekends.
We’re staffed with medical providers and have diagnostic equipment on-site, so you can get the care you need and skip the long wait at the ER.
Here’s what we’re equipped to handle:
- Illnesses like flu, strep throat, bronchitis, and ear infections
- Injuries including sprains, cuts that need stitches, and minor fractures
- On-site digital X-rays and lab testing
- School, sports, and camp physicals
- Travel medicine
Basically, urgent care covers more ground. Think you may need imaging or lab work done? Urgent Care is the place to go. Our clinic is your best option for non-life-threatening medical needs, especially in Lenoir.
Choosing Between the Two
Here’s a quick review to help:
MinuteClinic: You’re shopping and are close to a CVS with a MinuteClinic. Maybe you just need a flu shot or someone to confirm your cough is nothing serious.
Urgent Care: You’re feeling worse than usual, your kid twisted their ankle at recess, or you want to see a provider with access to more tools and resources.
There are some important differences between MinuteClinics and Urgent Care, but it all boils down to convenience and the level of care you get. Regardless, walk-in clinics can fill the gap between your primary doctor and the emergency room which is helpful if you’re in a pinch.
Final Takeaways
Here in Lenoir, the decision is pretty simple, choose AFC urgent care for convenience and complete care. But if you’re on the go already and need care elsewhere, MinuteClinics are great alternatives. Both have a place and can serve a purpose, but one isn’t a substitute for the other.
Treat your aches, pains, and discomfort and save yourself the hassle of driving. Our staff is here to provide convenient high-quality care for our community right here in Lenoir.
