Advantages of Going to the ER vs Your Own Doctor

According to current data, the U.S. needs about 52,000 more primary care physicians by 2025 to meet our healthcare needs. That is a staggering statistic and one that is not easily met. Often, family doctors are not available immediately and may be booked out for several weeks and even months. Several free walk in clinic facilities opened to take care of those who need emergency care. Even the mean wait time in hospital ERs went up by a quarter, from 46.5 minutes to 58.1 minutes Between 2003 and 2009. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey reports that the average ER visitor pays total costs of $1,318 and a mean cost of $615.

For those that need urgent care, a free walk in clinic is an attractive alternative to a family doctor or local ER. These facilities have sprung up to help with the lack of family care physicians and the need for low cost health clinics. Some offer after hours urgent care. Some of the services these clinics offer include anonymous std testing, family quick care, and other procedures.


Families who have just moved to a new neighborhood must do a primary care physician search online to find someone suitable for their needs. Most of these sites have primary care physician reviews so the person can read them and determine if the physician is a good match for them. Family or personal doctors can refer the patient to a medical specialist if it is warranted.

For the elderly, keeping a competent personal family physician over many years seems impossible. It has been found that about one in 20 adults over 65 suffer some form of memory loss, and 30 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, which can include Alzheimer?s disease. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of depression in elderly people can range from 3% to 13.5%. A free walk in clinic can help the elderly often more quickly than checking with their own doctor or going to an ER.

Doctors agree that sun damage can contribute up to 80 percent of skin aging, more than smoking, inadequate sleep and dehydration. Because of the popularity of tanning and the slow depletion of the atmosphere?s protective ozone layer, skin cancer rates have more than tripled since 1975. If cancer is suspected, seeking help at a free walk in clinic may be the best place to start for the elderly.