Heading to the right medical facility when you need treatment is important. However, a lot of patients experience some confusion when deciding between various facilities like an emergency room or a walk-in clinic. 

Choosing the right facility won't just ensure that you get the best treatment possible for your needs. It will also help out the staff at the hospital or the walk-in clinic where you go.

Typically, a walk-in facility is set up for treatment without an appointment for a non-emergency situation. The following are four common situations where a walk-in clinic would probably be the best choice for treatment.

Having some types of routine exams performed

A routine exam can easily and conveniently be handled by a walk-in clinic. Routine exams are commonly necessary for school-aged students who are wanting to participate in an athletic program. However, other routine exams that can be handled at a walk-in clinic include cancer screening or examinations regarding reproductive health.

Undergoing acute care treatment for a non-emergency situation

The important thing to remember is that a walk-in clinic is not a place for emergency or life-threatening situations. However, a walk-in facility can sometimes be used for certain types of acute care.

If you are experiencing an event like a heart attack that may be life-threatening, you need to head to the emergency room (ER). Even a possible broken bone or fracture is best handled by the ER. On the other hand, other acute care needs, such as treating a respiratory infection or a muscle strain, can usually be better handled by a walk-in clinic. 

Undergoing a preventive care procedure

If you need to have a preventive treatment performed but don't want to set up an appointment in advance, a walk-in medical clinic is a good option.

Common types of preventive care treatments include booster shots for immunizations or other types of injections. Also, treatment needs like preventive care for diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders can easily be handled by a walk-in medical care facility.

Having a relatively minor but invasive procedure performed

Certain invasive procedures can typically be handled at walk-in clinics. For example, a painful abscess can be lanced and treated at a walk-in facility. If you experience a laceration and need to have stitches put in place, you don't necessarily need to head to an emergency room; instead, you can head to a walk-in clinic if the wound is not too severe.