Urgent care centers are becoming more and more popular, and of course, as that happens more rumors fly about the facilities. There are so many misunderstandings about urgent care, so read on to set the record straight on some of the most common myths.

The doctors aren’t as well trained.

This is completely false! There are about 20,000 doctors that are practicing at urgent care, most of whom have previously worked in ERs, or at their own practices. Working at urgent care is an honor for many physicians, who can now use their knowledge and expertise to help those in need more efficiently.

The ER is more accessible.

Actually, a majority of centers (85%) are open all week long, many until well after a normal doctor’s office closes. In addition, you’ll wait a fraction of the time you would in an ER. In fact, many visits are completely finished within an hour.

They cost too much.

If you’re comparing it to a doctor’s office, depending on your insurance it may cost a bit more. But urgent care is hundreds of dollars cheaper than an average visit to the ER!

They can’t treat enough issues.

While the most common diagnosis is an upper respiratory condition and the most common procedure was wound repair, the range of treatments available is impressive. Because they employ some of the best doctors, urgent care is able to treat cuts, burns, flus, influenzas, colds, bites, strains, sprains, and even in some cases, fractures. That barely scratches the surface. They can also provide quick check ups, STD testing, and Hazmat screening!

Have you been to urgent care lately? Have they proved any of your misconceptions wrong? Let us know in the comments!