Benefits of a Walk-in Clinic Q&A

The benefits of a walk-in clinic versus an ER is that you will receive more immediate treatment for your medical situation and that it is significantly cheaper to visit a walk-in clinic than go to an ER for routine or minor medical situations. If you have a minor medical situation – such as flu-like or cold symptoms, ear or bladder infections, a minor allergic reaction, or a minor injury – then a walk-in clinic poses an excellent solution to get you the medical attention you need.

Walk-in clinics are also usually covered by insurance and the cost of visiting one is very affordable. They are a very cost-effective alternative for those who are in need of non-emergent medical care.

Additionally, walk-in clinics also provide a variety of medical services– such as physicals, screenings, or vaccinations – and other diagnostic services. If you are in need of medical care for a non-emergent situation or do not have a primary care physician, then a walk-in clinic is an excellent solution.

Walk-in clinics provide a variety of routine medical services, including preventative medicine and diagnostic services. They provide treatment and diagnosis of a variety of routine or minor medical conditions or illnesses, which may include: sore or strep throat; minor to moderate flu-like or cold symptoms; minor infections; heartburn and indigestion; sinus infections; bug bites and stings; or minor cuts, blisters, and wounds.

Walk-in clinics specialize in diagnostics and preventive care; if you are in need of routine medical care or treatment, and are without a primary care physician, then it is recommended that you seek out your nearest walk-in clinic for the treatment and care you require. All walk-in clinics also provide basic medical services, including vaccinations, the evaluation of cold and flu symptoms, and the treatment of minor injuries.

It is possible to get a prescription from a walk-in clinic. However, there are very strict limitations in what a walk-in clinic can prescribe for you; they are not a substitute for a primary care physician and there are strict limitations on what they can and cannot prescribe. Walk-in clinics will not have access to your complete medical history, and it will be difficult for them to complete a comprehensive exam without having that. If you have a chronic or long-term health condition, it is recommended that you see a primary care physician rather than use walk-in clinics as a stop-gap solution.

Certain walk-in clinics may, in an emergent medical situation, write you a stop-gap prescription until you can see your primary care physician, but you should always call ahead to make sure that is the case.

Walk-in clinics are typically there to treat and diagnose temporary injuries or illnesses, such as ear infections, sprains, strep throat, or upper respiratory infections. They also provide preventive care, such as STD testing or vaccines, but the chances that they will be able to write you a long-term prescription is rare. It is recommended that if you have a chronic or long-term health condition or ailment, you see a primary care physician who will have access to your complete medical history. For those in need of medical attention for non-emergent situations, visit us at Internal Medicine and Family Practice. Book an appointment online or call us. We are located at 1719 Glenwood Ave Joliet, IL 60435. We serve patients from Joliet IL, Manhattan IL, Channahon IL, Bolingbrook IL, Naperville IL, Lockport IL, Romeoville IL & Plainfield IL.