It’s a warm weekend afternoon, and your family is enjoying a hike at House Mountain when someone slips on a rock and twists an ankle. The pain is sharp, and swelling begins almost immediately. You know it needs attention soon, but the emergency room wait times can be long and stressful. So, where do you go?

When accidents and illnesses strike outside of regular office hours or when the issue is too urgent to wait for an appointment, knowing when to choose urgent care over the emergency room can make all the difference. At AFC Powell, we provide fast and reliable care for non-life-threatening conditions so you can get the treatment you need without the long waits and high costs of an ER visit.

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When to Trust Urgent Care Instead of the Emergency Room

Emergency rooms are designed to handle critical and life-threatening situations such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, major injuries, or signs of stroke. These conditions require immediate, advanced medical attention and cannot wait.

Urgent care centers, such as AFC, are ideal for treating non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt attention. If you or a loved one has a serious illness or injury that is not an emergency, our team is here to provide expert care with minimal wait times.

Our clinic is open seven days a week with extended hours. You do not need an appointment to be seen, and most patients are treated and on their way in under an hour.

Conditions We Treat

We provide care for a wide range of common medical concerns in both children and adults. Some of the most frequent reasons people visit AFC Powell include:

• Sprains, strains, and minor fractures
• Colds, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms
• Fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Ear infections and sore throats
• Sinus infections and allergy symptoms
• Cuts, scrapes, and minor burns
• Urinary tract infections
• Pink eye and other minor eye issues
• Skin infections, rashes, and insect bites
• Mild asthma symptoms and breathing issues
• Headaches and mild back pain

In addition to urgent care, we offer a variety of preventive and routine health services, including:​

• Vaccinations and immunizations
• School, camp, and sports physicals
• Digital X-rays and on-site lab testing
• Occupational health services
• Travel medicine consultations

Our facility is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and a compassionate care team ready to provide accurate and efficient treatment.

How We Can Help

At AFC Powell, we know that life does not always happen on a schedule. Illnesses and injuries often come at inconvenient times which is why we offer walk-in visits every day of the week. Whether it is early in the morning or later in the evening, our clinic is here when you need us most.

If you are unsure about the severity of your condition, you can walk in for an evaluation. Our team will assess your symptoms and help determine the best course of action. If the issue can be treated in our clinic, we will provide care right away. If it turns out to be more serious, we will guide you to the appropriate emergency resources.

Why Choose AFC Instead of the ER

Faster Care

Emergency rooms prioritize the most critical cases, which means that people with non-emergency issues often wait for hours. Most visits are completed quickly, so you can get back to your day.

More Affordable

Emergency care can come with a high price tag. In comparison, urgent care visits are much more affordable. We accept most major insurance plans and offer straightforward self-pay pricing for those without coverage.

Convenient Access

Our clinic is open every day with extended hours to fit your schedule. No appointment is required, so you can walk in whenever care is needed.

Comprehensive Services

From lab tests and X-rays to vaccinations and physicals, many important health services are available right here at our location. Most test results are available during your visit, so there is no need to wait for answers.

Friendly, Professional Care

Our team is committed to providing respectful and efficient care in a welcoming environment. Whether you are coming in with a minor injury or an unexpected illness, you will be treated with attention and compassion.

When You Should Still Go to the Emergency Room

While urgent care is a great option for many medical needs, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. You should go to the ER or call 911 if you or someone else is experiencing:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Sudden numbness or slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness or seizures
• Severe burns or deep wounds
• Heavy bleeding that will not stop
• Head injuries with confusion or fainting
• Broken bones with visible deformity
• Vomiting blood or repeated vomiting

These signs may point to life-threatening conditions and need emergency attention without delay.

The Right Care, Right When You Need It

We are proud to offer a smart alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening health concerns. Our clinic combines convenience, affordability, and expert care to meet the needs of families throughout the Powell community.

The Bottom Line

If you are facing a medical issue that needs attention but is not life-threatening, skip the long wait at the ER and visit AFC Powell. With fast service, extended hours, and a wide range of health services, we are here to help you feel better sooner.

Next time your weekend adventure takes an unexpected turn or a weekday illness catches you by surprise, trust us to deliver the care you need without the hassle.