From Urgent Care Centers to Walk-In Clinics, Which One is Right for You?

From urgent care centers to walk-in clinics, trips to the family doctor or emergency room visits – there are more healthcare options to choose from than ever before. And while having more choices is definitely a plus, it also can be confusing when it comes to selecting the right option at the right time.  

Knowing who to call or where to go is critical in ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of our communities. One way we can help make Wilson County healthier is by ensuring that our community members know where to go to get the care they need.  

Walk-in Clinics 
Walk-in clinics emphasize affordability and convenience for individuals with common, non-life-threatening conditions. Walk-in clinics are good options for out-of-town visitors who need care but may not be able to access a list of in-network providers. These types of clinics also offer affordable care to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Services may include treatment of:  

• minor injuries, like burns and sprains 
• minor infections  
• pink eye 
• sinus and sore throat 
• skin rashes 
• upset stomachs 

Urgent Care Centers 
Similar to walk-in clinics, urgent care centers offer quick and effective care for minor injuries or illnesses that need urgent attention. They can also offer more enhanced services such as x-rays. Individuals might choose urgent care facilities for:  

• minor cuts, burns and wounds  
• minor eye injuries, infections or irritations  
• severe cold & flu symptoms  
• sprains 
• muscle aches & pains  
• persistent fever  
• allergies  
• severe earaches  
• upset stomach  
• other non-life threatening but urgent needs 
  

Another benefit of this type of care is its accessibility. Wilson Immediate Care Is open seven days a week. During the week, we are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and can be reached by calling 252.237.2891

Primary Care 
Primary care refers to a person’s regular physician or physician group – it’s where someone might go when sick or in need of preventive care, such as an annual physical or wellness check. Typically, people visit primary care doctors for:  

• annual exams and screenings 
• immunizations 
• chronic disease  
• prenatal care  
• earaches  
• colds  
• fevers 
• non-urgent healthcare needs  
  

Any person without a primary care physician can search the Wilson Medical Center Physician Finder at wilsonmedical.com/find-a-doctor or call 252.399.8040 to find the right doctor. 

Emergency Room Care 
Emergency room visits should be reserved for immediate situations that, if not treated immediately, could result in the loss of life or a limb. These may include:  

• symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain or severe shortness of breath 
• warning signs of stroke such as numbness in the face, arms and legs 
• severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop 
• automobile or industrial accident 
• poisoning 
• complicated bone fractures 
• major illness 
• head injuries 
• suicide attempts or thoughts 
  

It is important to remember that the emergency room is for emergencies only. Anyone experiencing or witnessing any of the above, or any other potentially life-threatening medical condition, should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.  

WIlson Medical Center’s Emergency Department is an accredited Chest Pain Center, which demonstrates its ability to deliver potentially life-saving emergency heart care.  

We are honored that our community members continuously choose us for their healthcare needs.