Jeetendra Kumar

Who Can Benefit from COVIDTesting in King, NC?

Are you concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and want to know if you need to get tested? Testing is a key component in helping us protect ourselves, our families, friends, and communities, and preventing further transmission of the virus. Understanding who can benefit most from covid testing is essential for any decision related to fighting this pandemic together.

Let’s talk about who can benefit from covid testing and where you can go for a COVID-19 test in King, NC.

Understanding the Different Types of COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 has affected the world in countless ways. As such, several types of COVID-19 tests have been developed to help diagnose those who have been infected. It is important to understand the differences between these tests to help determine the best course of action for slowing the spread of the virus. Some tests, such as PCR tests, are highly accurate but may take several days to return results. Other tests, such as the antigen test, can provide results in as little as 15 minutes but may have lower accuracy rates.

Who is Most at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults, especially those over the age of 65, and people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are at higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19. In addition, individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant may also have a higher risk of serious illness. It is important for everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and those around them, especially those who may be at higher risk.

Testing for Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

With the elderly and those with underlying health conditions at a heightened risk for severe illness or even death from COVID-19, it is crucial that long-term care facilities and nursing homes have efficient and effective testing protocols in place. We must prioritize the health and safety of our most vulnerable populations. By investing in testing and other preventative measures, we can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our loved ones safe.

Expanded Testing for Group Living Settings and Homeless Shelters

To better protect vulnerable populations, expanded testing efforts have been implemented to ensure that the virus does not spread undetected in these environments. This means that individuals in these settings can receive regular testing, which helps identify cases early on and allows for prompt and effective isolation and treatment. By prioritizing testing in group living settings and homeless shelters, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for everyone.

Testing Before Traveling to Restart Business Activity and Reopen Schools

While testing is just one layer of protection against the spread of the virus, it is especially true for businesses and schools looking to restart their operations. By ensuring that individuals are tested and cleared before entering a workspace or classroom, we can mitigate the risk of transmission and get back to some sense of normalcy.

COVID Testing in King, NC

COVID testing is quick, easy, and can provide you with the peace of mind to stay healthy, happy, and safe. So, if you need a COVID test, please do not hesitate to visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our services include quick COVID-19 tests, as well as prompt tests for flu, strep, and mono. With accurate diagnoses, we can provide you with the appropriate treatment to help you recover quickly.

We are open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at (336) 983-9111 or through our online scheduler. We are committed to helping you feel your best, and we look forward to serving you.

Pass a drug test: Facts you need to know

Are you a job seeker, health care professional, student-athlete, or simply someone who wants to maintain privacy and reputation? It is important to know the facts about drug testing. Knowing how drug tests work can help you prepare for an unexpected test. This will also help you avoid potential mistakes that might lead to negative outcomes.

Let’s discuss the facts you need to know about drug testing and how to pass it, and where you can go for drug testing in King, NC.

Understanding Drug Tests and How They Work

A drug test is an analysis of a sample of bodily fluid, hair, or other tissue from an individual. It aims to determine if the person has used illicit drugs within a certain period of time.

Drug tests are used to detect the presence of illegal or recreational drugs and prescription drugs that have been abused. The most common types of drug tests are urine, blood, and hair tests.

Urine Testing

Urine testing is the most widely used method because it is fast. It is also easy to administer and detect a wide range of substances.

Blood Testing

Blood tests are more specific than urine tests and can detect the presence of a drug within hours of use. They are rarely used because they require medical personnel to draw blood.

Hair Testing

Hair testing is another method for detecting drug use, but it does not provide a complete picture. Hair samples only reveal drug use that dates back several weeks or months.

How to Pass a Drug Test

The most important way to pass a drug test is not to use drugs in the first place. Different types of drugs last in the body for different amounts of time.

So, what do you do if you do not want to fail a drug test? It is best to abstain from using substances that could produce a positive test result.

It is also important to be aware of the types of drugs being tested. Different drug tests will look for specific drugs or classes of drugs. It is important to know the types of drugs being tested for.

Here are some strategies that can be employed to improve your chances of passing a drug test:

Detoxify Your Body

If you must take a drug test, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of passing. Drugs are considered toxins and are eliminated from the body over time.

  1. Exercise helps speed up the detoxification process by increasing circulation and flushing toxins from your system.
  2. Vitamins like B-complex and C can help the body flush out toxins quickly.
  3. Drinking herbal tea, such as green tea or chamomile, can also help the body detoxify.
  4. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins quickly.
  5. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can help the body eliminate toxins.

These strategies can help you pass a drug test, but it is important to remember that there is no guarantee. You may still fail if:

  • You have used drugs recently
  • The substance being tested for has been in your system for an extended period

Undergo the Drug Test from aReputable Lab

When preparing to take a drug test, going to a reputable lab is important. A good lab will have experienced technicians and use the latest testing methods and equipment.

The lab should also follow all required protocols for sample collection and handling. In addition, they will provide accurate results on time.

Clear Misunderstandings in Case of a False Positive

False positives can occur with drug tests. It is important to understand what they mean and how you can clear up any misunderstanding.

A false positive occurs when a test indicates the presence of drugs in your system when none are present. This could be due to an incorrect reading or cross-reactivity between substances not tested for.

Some medications may also lead to false positives, like the following:

  • Antidepressants
  • ADHD medication
  • Certain diet pills

In this case, discussing the results with a doctor and having them review your medical history is important. That way, they can determine if other factors could have caused a false positive result.

Accurate Drug Test in King, NC

Do you need an accurate drug test in King, NC? You can rely on the trusted Cardinal Urgent Care. Our team of urgent care specialists will be with you at every step and guide you. We are open seven days a week, even on many holidays.

If you want to learn more about our drug test services, you can call our friendly staff at (336) 983-9111. You can also fill out our secure online appointment request form to book a visit to our office.

Why Should You Use a Pre-Employment Drug Test Provider?

In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for any edge they can get to ensure that their new hires are the best fit for the position. One way many companies have begun to do this is by using pre-employment drug testing.

Pre-employment drug tests can be an important part of making sure you hire the right person for the job. Drug testing helps to ensure that employees are not using illegal substances, which can lead to a decrease in workplace accidents and injuries. Additionally, it helps protect businesses from potential legal liability if an employee were to be found under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working.

Here are five reasons why you should use a pre-employment drug test provider:

1.  It helps protect your business.

By using a pre-employment drug test provider, you can make sure that any new hires don’t have a history of substance abuse or addiction, which could potentially put your business at risk. This is especially important in industries such as transportation, construction, and healthcare, where safety is paramount.

2.  It is more accurate.

One of the main benefits of third-party drug testing is its accuracy. Third-party pre-employment test providers use highly advanced technology and techniques to accurately detect any drugs in an individual’s system, ensuring that no false positives or other errors occur during the process. This helps protect both employers and employees from any potential legal issues due to incorrect results or inaccurate information being provided through in-house testing.

3.  It helps create an atmosphere of trust.

When potential employees know that their employer will conduct thorough background checks, including pre-employment drug testing through a reputable drug test provider, it creates an atmosphere of trust between parties. Employers can trust the results they get from the testing, and employees know that they are being tested through an unbiased source.

4.  It is convenient and saves time and money.

Conducting pre-employment drug tests through third-party providers means greater convenience for your business and less paperwork for your HR department, ultimately saving you time. It also saves your business money on staffing costs associated with administering in-house tests, as well as on materials needed for conducting the tests.

5.  It ensures compliance with North Carolina state laws.

There are specific regulations about drug testing by state. In North Carolina, there are no restrictions for the employer to mandate drug and/or alcohol testing, and they can do so beyond what is required by law. It is completely up to the business owner’s discretion if they want to test their employees for pre-employment or throughout their employment as outlined in the Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act. For certain safety-sensitive industries, pre-employment drug testing is a must.

Pre-employment drug testing is always a good practice. Make sure to choose a reputable third-party provider as your pre-employment drug test provider in North Carolina.

Pre-Employment Drug Test Provider in King, NC

For your company’s drug testing needs, trust our providers at Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina. We offer you greater convenience and accuracy, which your business needs to remain compliant with laws and help you maintain a positive workplace environment. For any questions, call our office today at (336) 983-9111.

If you are a worker needing pre-employment drug testing, contact us at (336) 983-9111, request an appointment, or visit our office at 607 S. Main Street, Unit E during our office hours. We look forward to serving you!

The Most Common Urgent Care Procedures Explained

Accidents can happen at any time and in any place. No one looks forward to it, but in these situations, urgent care clinics exist to provide convenient medical care. They aim to bridge the gap between emergency room visits and typical primary care. If you have never been to an urgent care facility before, you might not be sure what to expect at an urgent care facility.

Let’s talk about some of the most common urgent care procedures and where you can find the best urgent care center in Stokes County, NC.

Minor Wound Care

Sometimes you might just shrug off cuts, scrapes, and burns as things that happen in your daily life. However, it’s important to remember that any break in the skin can lead to infection.

Depending on your health and other factors, even a minor skin infection could turn into something serious or life-threatening if ignored.

Healthcare providers in urgent care clinics address a variety of minor skin injuries, including cuts, scratches, and burns. They will clean and dress your wound, prescribe medication to prevent infection or manage any pain you might be feeling.

Cuts

When dealing with minor cuts, it’s important to keep the wound clean, sterilized, and bandaged. In some cases, medication may be necessary to prevent infection or ease pain.

Scratches

Scratches are like mild cuts that may not always bleed. It’s important to clean and dress the wound and consider using an antibiotic ointment to avoid infection.

Burns

For minor burns, over-the-counter gels or creams can be used after cleaning the skin. However, chemical, electrical, or severe burns may require advanced medical attention to ensure there is no internal damage.

More Serious Cuts

Sutures can help more serious cuts heal faster by holding the edges of the skin together. However, whether or not you need them will depend on various factors, such as:

  • The size and location of the injury
  • The amount of bleeding
  • Your overall health

If you’re unsure whether your injury requires stitches, it’s best to consult a medical professional. When deemed necessary, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the affected area before the sutures are threaded.

Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment.

Digital X-Ray Imaging

At times, identifying the cause of your symptoms may require more than just a history and physical examination. High-quality imaging services are thus helpful in understanding what is going on inside the body.

Digital X-rays are now essential in diagnosing an array of illnesses and injuries unseen by the naked eye. Examples include:

  • Broken bones
  • Respiratory infections
  • Foreign objects lodged inside the body

Digital X-rays use only low doses of radiation to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. They are also quick, painless, and non-invasive.

Urgent care clinics often have board-certified radiologists who can review the images within 30 minutes. This ensures you get expert findings as soon as possible.

Earwax Removal

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that cleans and protects the ear canal. Sometimes, it can build up and cause the following:

  • Ear fullness
  • A blocked sensation
  • Diminished hearing

Your healthcare provider can use a special tool called an otoscope to take a look inside your ear canals.

If they discover too much earwax, they can safely remove it. They may flush the wax out with warm water or remove it using gentle suction.

They may apply ear wax softening drops before irrigation to make the removal process easier.  Their cleaning technique is highly effective in helping you regain your sense of hearing in the affected ear.

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Administration

IV therapy is a quick and effective way to deliver fluids, blood, or medication directly into the body through the veins. It is particularly useful for patients who need immediate drug or fluid delivery.

You may need IV fluid administration due to:

  • Dehydration
  • Excessive vomiting and diarrhea
  • Infection that requires IV antibiotic therapy

Determining the suitable amount and type of IV fluids and the ideal rate of administration can be difficult. Providers in urgent care centers have the expertise to give suitable health recommendations and care.

Splinting and Partial Casting

For non-life-threatening conditions involving broken bones or sprains, help is available. Casts and splints are commonly used to immobilize the injured limb and promote healing.

Initially, splints are preferred due to swelling, which can be later replaced with a cast once the swelling goes down.

Casts are made from plaster or fiber glass and provide more support than splints. On the other hand, splints are easier and faster to use but provide less support.

Urgent Care in Stokes County, NC

Cardinal Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve your healthcare needs seven days a week. Our team— led by board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Samir Patel—values the convenience, time, health, and overall experience of the people in the community we are privileged to serve. As such, we strive to provide comprehensive, highly efficient,compassionate care, so our patients can quickly get back to doing the things they love to do.

No appointment is needed – just walk in. For more information on our services, please call our friendly team at (336) 983-9111.

Reasons to Get COVID Testing After the Pandemic

As the world slowly returns to normalcy, many wonder what the future holds. One certain thing is that COVID-19 will still be a major health concern for the foreseeable future. This means getting tested for COVID-19 even after the pandemic can be beneficial.

Let’s talk about why you should get tested for COVID and where you can go for a COVID test in King, NC.

You Have Mild Symptoms of COVID-19

Even if you are experiencing mild symptoms, getting tested for COVID-19 is vital. Fever, cough, and fatigue may seem minor, but they could be warning signs of the virus.

Being infected can cause severe illnesses in vulnerable individuals. Remember, SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted before symptoms even appear.

Post-COVID or Long Covid Conditions

Post-COVID conditions refer to health issues that can emerge or persist following a COVID infection.

While many individuals recover within a few days or weeks after infection, some may experience symptoms.

You may develop a new set of conditions following the initial encounter with the virus. Most individuals who develop these symptoms do so shortly after being diagnosed with COVID. However, some people may not realize when they were initially infected.

Your new symptoms may be falsely attributed to other causes without getting tested.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

People who suffer from severe illness, hospitalization, or treatment may develop health problems such as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

PICS are health effects that may arise during a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU). These effects may continue even after they return home and can include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a long-term reaction to a very stressful event

While PICS is not exclusive to SARS-CoV-2, it may still occur and contribute to post-COVID conditions. Individuals who experience PICS after COVID-19 don’t know if it’s due to a severe illness, the virus, or both.

Prevention is one reason for getting tested. Another is to keep a detailed medical history record, ensuring everything is noticed.

This will invariably help healthcare professionals understand your situation better, whether at present or for future consultations.

For the Prevention of Future Outbreaks

While vaccines are highly effective, getting tested for COVID-19 post-pandemic can help identify potential new variants that may be spreading. This can help prevent future outbreaks and protect yourself and those around you.

The importance of early detection cannot be overstated when it comes to COVID-19.

Testing promotes the identification of cases and exposure, helping people take necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus. It also ensures that those infected receive the appropriate treatment as early as possible, leading to better health outcomes.

For Early Treatment

Early detection through COVID testing can lead to earlier treatment, which can improve your chances of a full recovery.

Testing may also lead to further evaluation, identifying underlying health conditions that make you more susceptible to severe illness.

With early treatment, you can help prevent the sustained transmission of the virus in your area. It enables taking appropriate measures to avoid infecting people, particularly vulnerable populations, such as the following:

  • Children
  • The elderly
  • Immuno compromised individuals
  • People with comorbidities

Responsible behavior can go a long way and even save lives.

As Part of Travel Requirements

Travel is a crucial reason for COVID-19 testing. On December 30, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order.

They require air passengers traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau to provide negative COVID-19 tests. This test must have been taken no more than two days before their flight.

Passengers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days can also provide documentation to meet this requirement. This measure aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 across borders and reduce the risk of transmission.

By requiring tests and documentation, the CDC ensures the safety of travelers and prevents the further spread of the virus.

Some might think that COVID-19 testing is less important than before. However, you are doing the community a huge favor by getting tested.

If you carry the virus, you help prevent its spread, protect vulnerable populations, and enable yourself to receive treatment.

COVID Testing in King, NC

COVID testing is quick, easy, and can provide you with the peace of mind to stay healthy, happy, and safe. So, if you need a COVID test, please don’t hesitate to visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our services include quick COVID-19 tests, as well as prompt tests for flu, strep, and mono. With accurate diagnoses, we can provide you with the appropriate treatment to help you recover quickly.

We are open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment by calling (336) 983-9111 or through our online scheduler. We are committed to helping you feel your best, and we look forward to serving you.

Getting Ready for a Pre-Employment Drug Test

Pre-employment drug testing is an important step in the hiring process for most companies. By testing applicants for drug use, employers can ensure that they are not hiring individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Drug use can lead to absenteeism, accidents, and injuries on the job, and can also create a hostile work environment. By requiring a pre-employment drug test, employers can help protect their businesses from such risks.

A DOT physical is a requirement before you can be employed to drive a commercial vehicle. This is according to guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Being ready for your pre-employment drug test is important to ensuring the process goes smoothly. Fortunately, there isn’t a lot you have to do to prepare. If you have a drug test coming up, here are some tips on how to get ready for your test.

Rest Well the Night Before

A good night’s sleep will help you to feel relaxed, refreshed, alert, and focused for your test. Aim for at least six to eight hours of sleep the night before your test. Not having enough sleep can make you feel tired, irritated, moody, and even a little sick. While this won’t affect the results of your drug test, it is optimal that you feel your best when going in for appointments for a better overall experience.

Drink Plenty of Fluids Leading Up To the Test

This will help flush out your system and avoid dehydration. Also, since most drug tests are done via urine testing, you want to be able to produce a good sized sample for the test. Make sure not to drink a lot of water right before the test, because this can dilute the sample and lead to an inconclusive result. The trick is to drink small amounts of water throughout the day and no more than 16 ounces of water in the hour leading up to your appointment time.

Get to the Appointment On Time

The last thing you want is to be late for your test, because it may need to be rescheduled if the clinic is fully booked. Therefore, find out the exact location and how to get there ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about it on the day of your test.

Bring the Important Documents

A DOT pre-employment drug test requires that you bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license. If you do not have a driver’s license, another form of government-issued ID will suffice, such as a passport or military ID. Most employers pay for drug testing of employees and potential employees, therefore, you likely don’t have to worry about making a payment.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing in King, NC

A pre-employment drug test sends a message to applicants that the company takes its commitment to maintain a safe and productive workplace seriously. By requiring all applicants to undergo drug testing prior to being hired, companies can protect themselves from potential liability issues down the road, should an employee later be involved in an accident or incident while on duty. It also fosters a better, more productive, and safe work environment for all employees.

Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina, is a walk-in clinic that provides DOT physicals for pre-employment testing. Our friendly staff can answer any questions you may have about the test, as well as help you prepare for it for greater success.

For DOT physicals, we require patients to make an appointment. Call our office today at (336) 983-9111, or use our convenient online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to assisting you!

When to Visit a Walk-In Clinic

A walk-in clinic, also called an urgent care center, is a facility that provides medical care on a first-come, first-served basis – without the need for an appointment. Walk-in clinics are your place to go when you need quick medical care for nonemergency illnesses and injuries.

They are a fast and affordable alternative to expensive emergency room visits, which are unnecessary for treating minor health conditions. Plus, an emergency room staff has a triage system whereby the most serious health problems are seen first, so less-serious or non-life-threatening issues may take a while, with those patients sitting in the waiting room for possibly a long time.

Let’s talk about when it is in your best interest to opt for a walk-in clinic, and where you can go in King, North Carolina, for top-level urgent care.

When You Have a Sudden Illness or Injury

Whether you have a very bad cold, the flu, a bad cut, or a slight burn (such as when cooking), a walk-in clinic is an ideal place to get urgent medical care without a long wait.

Non-life-threatening health conditions that warrant urgent care include the following:

  • Strains (such as a strained muscle)
  • Sprains (such as a sprained ankle)
  • Joint injury
  • Animal bite
  • Insect stings
  • Skin infection
  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or stomachache/abdominal pain
  • Sore throat
  • Constant cough
  • Ear infection or earache
  • Respiratory infection
  • Headaches
  • Work injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Diabetes problems
  • Asthma attack or trouble breathing
  • Minor allergic reactions

When You Need to Get Tested

Visit a walk-in clinic if you suddenly realize that you may have been exposed to a contagious illness such as COVID-19. You can also get tested to find out the potential causes of chest pains or heart palpitations by visiting a walk-in clinic for EKG testing.

A walk-in clinic usually offers scans and tests such as X-rays, pregnancy testing, blood testing, and confidential STD (sexually transmitted disease) testing.

When You Need to Be Vaccinated

Whether you are traveling to a high-risk area or need to receive a scheduled shot, walk-in clinics are for you. A walk-in clinic offers vaccinations for a variety of diseases, including measles, mumps, hepatitis, rubella, and chicken pox, to name a few.

When You Need a Physical Exam for Work or School

If your workplace or sports team requires a physical evaluation, have it done at a walk-in clinic.

Getting a physical exam from a primary care physician requires an appointment and can take longer than a week. However, at a walk-in clinic, you can get your school physical, sports physical, pre-employment drug test, or DOT physical done efficiently and conveniently.

Convenient Walk-In Clinic in King, NC

If you need quick care for an injury, illness, infection, cut, or burn, or if you need a DOT physical or other type of exam necessary for school or your profession, visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina. If you have any questions or would like to let us know that you are on your way, call us at (336) 983-9111. You can walk in anytime during our open hours, and you can even even request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to serving you!

Urgent Care VS. Emergency Room

If you or a family member are sick or injured, which health care facility should you choose: an urgent care center in King, NC, or the closest hospital ER? Let’s look at the differences between these facilities, so you can make the right choice in your time of need.

Urgent Care Centers

Your child has a persistent low-grade fever and a sore throat. Your pediatrician’s office is closed, but you don’t want this to wait until the morning. In such a situation, an urgent care center is the most appropriate medical office to visit.

Urgent care centers are open for extended hours and on the weekends. Most are open on major holidays, as well. Urgent care centers are an extension to primary care, as they offer the same services as primary care offices, but with extended availability. They even have services that go beyond primary care. When it comes to any health problem that isn’t life-threatening, an urgent care center is the place to go.

Here’s what your walk-in urgent care center in King, NC, offers to patients of all ages:

  • Prompt care for medical issues that are pressing but not life-threatening
  • Evening and weekend hours
  • Quick check-ins and short wait times
  • Assessment and care by a fully qualified provider
  • On-site testing (blood work, strep testing, urinalysis, X-rays, and more)
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan (to include prescription medications, suturing, breathing treatments, bandaging, and more)
  • Vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Occupational medicine services, including workers’ comp and drug testing
  • Routine physicals for school, sports, and more

The conditions treated at urgent care centers include:

  • Pink eye
  • Ear infections
  • Headaches
  • Sore throats
  • Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other GI conditions
  • Skin rashes
  • Insect bites
  • Cuts, bruising, and burns
  • Fractures, strains, and sprains
  • UTIs

Going To a Hospital ER

A hospital emergency room provides both urgent and emergency medical care. Because it is located in a full-service hospital or medical center, the ER promptly handles life-threatening medical needs, such as heart attack and stroke, and the most pressing of injuries, such as amputations and crush injuries.

Besides board-certified physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, hospital ERs provide ready access to a wide range of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Plus, the highest level of imaging and diagnostic lab services are housed within the hospital campus.

Hospital ERs, however, are well-known for long wait times if your medical need is not life-threatening. The sickest patients are seen and treated first, and so, you may be required to wait for an extended period to get medical attention. Unless you have a life-threatening emergency, you will not be a priority in an ER.

Additionally, ER costs can be astonishingly high, even with the best medical insurance. So, if your pediatrician is unavailable and you decide to take your child to the hospital, expect a high cost.

Conditions that hospital emergency rooms typically treat are:

  • Car accident injuries
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Severe burns and lacerations
  • Head injuries
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Drug interactions and overdoses
  • Severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions

When the severest of health problems strike, call 911 or get to the closest hospital emergency room. However, if your injury or health problem is not life-threatening, visit an urgent care instead, where you can get quality care at the drop of a dime.

Cardinal Urgent Care In King, North Carolina

Cardinal Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve your health care needs seven days a week. Our board-certified physician is Dr. Samir Patel, who is board-certified in emergency medicine. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

No appointment needed – just walk in. For more information on our services, please call our friendly team at (336) 983-9111.