If you’re like most people, you’ve probably needed to visit an urgent care center but realized too late that it was after office hours, leaving you to wait until the next day to receive care. However, not every medical facility closes down at the end of the work day. These centers have late-hours care.
Late-hours care is medical care that is provided outside of the normal business hours of a healthcare facility. This type of care can be in the form of an emergency room visit, a visit to an urgent care clinic, or a call to a doctor’s office. Aside from being open later, there are actually many benefits to after-hours care you may not be aware of. Keep reading to learn more.
Extended Hours
One reason why late-hours care can be beneficial in that it can allow people to receive treatment for their medical conditions when they need it most. Often, people’s regular doctor’s office is not open at night or on the weekends.
Most extended-hours facilities are open until at least 9 pm, and some are open as late as 11 pm or even later. This makes it possible for people to get the care they need without having to take time off from work or rearrange their schedules.
Money Savings
Another reason why late-hours care can be beneficial is that it can help people save money. Often, people have to go to the emergency room if they need treatment outside of regular business hours. The cost of treating someone in the emergency room can be expensive. Late-hours care can help people avoid this expense and get the treatment they need at a lower cost.
Reduced Wait Times
Late-hours care can also be beneficial because it can help reduce wait times for appointments with doctors. Often, doctors’ appointments are booked up weeks or even months in advance. Facilities open after business hours are also typically much less crowded than doctor’s offices during the day. This can be especially helpful for people who are uncomfortable in busy or noisy environments. By having access to late-hours care, people may be able to see a doctor sooner than they would otherwise be able to do.
Doctor Availability
Another prominent benefit of late-hours care is that you can often see a provider who is not affiliated with your regular doctor. This can be helpful if you have a complex medical issue or if you just need a second opinion. Plus, because these clinics are often affiliated with local hospitals, you can be assured that you’ll receive high-quality care if something serious does happen.
Improved Continuity of Care
Medical care facilities with extended hours can improve the continuity of care for patients. When patients are able to see the same provider for their entire care, it can lead to a better understanding of their health, more coordinated care, and fewer medication errors. By expanding hours, medical care facilities can make it easier for patients to get the care they need.
Enhanced Patient Satisfaction
Medical care facilities with extended hours can enhance patient satisfaction in numerous ways. First and foremost, by offering more hours of operation, patients have greater access to care. Patients who can see a doctor when they are sick have a better chance of getting the care they need and returning to their obligations sooner.
Another way that medical care facilities with extended hours can improve patient satisfaction is by providing more opportunities for care. For example, a facility that offers evening and weekend hours can better serve the needs of those who work or have other commitments during the day.
Furthermore, providers at these facilities can be more available to answer questions and address concerns. By providing a more convenient experience, medical care facilities with extended hours can help patients feel more satisfied with their care.
Caring For Patients After Hours
There are countless benefits to a medical facility that offers care after normal office hours. If you’re looking for a medical facility to handle your primary or urgent care needs, consider a facility with care after hours.
