The Walk-In Clinic: Pros And Cons

For those who are loyal to a family doctor, the thought of opting for a walk-in clinic might be a new idea in the way of health care. But, for a small emergency situation that can happen during a vacation or the weekend, their care facility might be the most cost-effective choices available on a short notice. If you do not have direct access to the primary care doctor, but you have a minor health issue that needs treatment, you can call a walk-in clinic located in your town before going to the nearby emergency room. Walk-in clinic in Houston is the best solution for minor health issues.

Advantages:

These walk-in clinics provide the best choice for minor health issues that do not need speedy emergency medical help. Most often they are available during the late afternoon hours and weekends when doctor's offices are shut. So, if a minor medical issue arises during the late afternoon hours, you can avoid a huge emergency room bill.

Some individuals and families opt to see the doctors at the walk-in clinic for their regular check-up as well as for minor health issues. The convenience to see the doctor during late afternoon hours fits those who work long hours. Furthermore, the convenience to see the consultant without an appointment is really beneficial for unpredicted sick visits or minor emergency health conditions.

For people without insurance, the cost for appointments are low and it is a huge advantage. A usual emergency room visit for minor health issue costs hundreds of dollars. Whereas visiting the consultants at a walk-in clinic in Houston cost only a few dollars.

Disadvantages:

As it is difficult to determine how many people will walk in during the late afternoon or weekend hours, so the waiting time can be unpredictable. Some late afternoon hours might be extremely busy with waiting time of over half an hour per patient, while other late afternoon hours might be incredibly free and patients can consult with the doctors as soon as they arrive! For patients who want low-cost treatment and have a health problem that does not require instant medical care, the wait might only be a minor problem.

You will be seeing a different consultant every time you come. Those who want to have regular check-up can schedule routine visits with the same doctor. Many times the consultants work on a night shift or have a scheduled rotation so you can see the same consultant if you make an appointment in advance. But for those who are opting for walk-in clinics because their kid is sick or injured, the consultant will probably be new every time you visit. Once again, this also happens in the emergency room as well, so if you have a medical issue that can be handled through a walk-in clinic, it would surely be better for your budget to avoid the emergency room!