Month: January 2012

While serious medical events like head trauma, chest pain or shortness of breath require a trip to the emergency room, most other conditions can actually be treated more quickly and cost effectively at WellStreet Urgent Care.  Every WellStreet center is staffed by a friendly, board-certified physician who, in addition to treating common illnesses and injuries, can take digital x-rays, set broken bones and suture cuts.

Many emergency departments boast short wait times, but they often fail to take into account the total time that your visit takes.  At WellStreet, we’ll get you in, out and feeling better fast, typically within one hour.  When compared to average ER wait times of more than four hours, WellStreet is a smart choice.

Unnecessary use of the ER is a key contributor to increasing healthcare costs for everyone. Trips to the ER for many medical conditions can result in out-of-pocket costs that are three to four times more than a visit to your local WellStreet. For those with insurance, ER co-pays are typically more than double when compared to urgent care, and some insurance plans won’t pay for an ER visit that they consider “non-emergency care”.

WellStreet centers provide benefits to the overburdened healthcare system by providing 7 day-a-week extended hour access to patients who would otherwise be forced to seek treatment at an emergency room or wait several weeks to see a primary care physician.  For patients, WellStreet provides a faster, more comfortable and convenient setting for the treatment of episodic illness and injury. For Primary Care and ER physicians, WellStreet is a great partner allowing them to spend more time with the chronically ill and those patients with serious emergency conditions.

Please see the “What We Treat” section of our website for a full list of our capabilities and quick tips on understanding when an ER visit is necessary. WellStreet Urgent Care is here to help you and your family, get back to feeling better fast. So, the next time you’re headed to the ER think WellStreet. For more information or details on the WellStreet center nearest you please visit us on-line at www.wellstreet.com .

We all do it. We make a resolution for the new year and after a short time, our busy lives get in the way and we tend to throw our resolutions aside. However, some resolutions are too important to let slide. This year, resolve to maintain a healthy heart so you can ensure that you’ll have many more new years to come!

According the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women of all ages. Each year in the United States, more than 750,000 people have a first heart attack, and more than 450,000 who have already had a heart attack will have another. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are just some of the major risk factors for developing heart disease.

It is important to discuss with your physician a plan to maintain your heart health, but in the meantime, consider these ways to lower your risk of developing heart disease. First, make an effort to stick to a heart-healthy diet. Start by lowering your intake of trans fats and refined sugars, and increase your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil.

Try exercising 3-4 times a week for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you create a fitness routine that suits your abilities and skill level, and don’t forget to make it fun! Staying within the recommended weight limits for your height will decrease your risk of developing heart disease, as obesity is one of the top contributors to cardiovascular issues. Maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by stopping smoking, limiting your intake of alcohol and reducing stress.

For your convenience, WellStreet Urgent Care centers are open 7 days-a-week with extended hours, and we never require an appointment. For more information about a WellStreet Urgent Care center in your neighborhood, visit www.wellstreet.com or email us at [email protected]. We’ll get you well on your way, fast!