While urgent care centers are designed primarily to handle immediate health concerns and minor emergencies such as minor fractures, cuts, burns, or allergic reactions, it can also play a role in addressing chronic pain. Chronic pain, which lasts for more than three months, is a complex condition that generally requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. At our center, we are equipped to provide short-term relief if a patient with a known chronic pain condition experiences a flare-up that can’t be managed with their usual medications.

For ongoing management of chronic pain, it is crucial to visit a healthcare provider who has expertise in pain management. These professionals can evaluate your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and monitor your progress over time.

If you experience a debilitating headache that is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound, seek medical attention immediately. Other factors like the severity, location, duration, and nature of your headache, factors that may have triggered it, any associated symptoms, and your medical history will also be taken into account.

While urgent care centers can provide immediate relief for severe headaches or migraines, medical professionals may refer you to a hospital emergency room if they suspect a condition that requires advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs. However, if your headaches are recurrent, severe, worsening over time, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or neurological symptoms, it is advisable to seek care from a specialist.

One of the most common types of pain relief is over-the-counter medication. For more significant pain, urgent care centers may provide prescription medications. This could include stronger NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, narcotics or opioid medications. These pain management options are often used for more serious conditions, including severe back pain, kidney stones, and fractures.

At our center, we are also equipped to perform minor procedures to alleviate pain, such as draining an abscess or stitching a wound.

Lastly, for chronic pain management, our team can also referral you to specialists who can offer further treatment options. This could include physical therapists, pain management specialists, or orthopedic surgeons.

While both are designed to help you maintain optimal health, there are certain situations where urgent care may be more appropriate. Urgent care should be your go-to choice for pain in dire but non-life-threatening situations. This could be when you are unable to reach out to your primary care physician, or when you need immediate care outside of regular office hours. However, you should seek care at urgent care in the following circumstances:

• Severe pain that develops instantly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, fever, shortness of breath, or confusion.
• Unexpected, intense headaches.
• Acute chest pain that radiates to the jaw, arm, or back.
• Pain that has persisted for more than a few days and has not responded to over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Pain which affects daily activities.
• Pain that is accompanied by swelling, redness, or drainage.
• Pain associated with a wound that is not healing properly or shows signs of infection.
• Pain accompanied by a rash, skin irritation, or allergic reaction.
• Sprains or strains that cause significant pain and difficulty moving.
• Fractures or broken bones that cause pain and deformity.
• Cuts or lacerations that require immediate attention to stop bleeding.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, your primary care physician is usually the best option. However, urgent care centers are always there for you when you need immediate intervention or cannot reach your primary care physician.

The cost of a visit for pain treatment can significantly vary depending on several factors.

• Location: Prices reflect the typical cost of your geographical location.

• Insurance Coverage: Whether you have insurance plays a significant role in the cost. If you’re covered, your copay could range from $25 to $100 per visit, depending on your insurance plan.

• Severity of Pain & Treatment Method: The specific treatment you receive for your pain also affects the cost. More complex or severe pain conditions may necessitate more extensive treatment, thereby increasing the cost.

• Time of Day: Depending on the service, you may pay a flat rate or be charged for each individual component.

• Diagnostics: Additional tests like x-rays, lab tests, or other diagnostic procedures may be necessary and incur separate charges on top of our clinic’s base fee.

• Follow-Up Care: If ongoing treatment is recommended, additional visits and expenses may be required.

Most health insurance plans cover urgent care visits. However, the extent of coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider to determine your specific coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs. It’s crucial to understand what is covered by your insurance or what financial assistance options are available to you at our clinic to help manage the cost. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI and BEYOND.