How Does a Walk-in Clinic Work?
A walk-in clinic is a medical facility where you can see a doctor on a walk-in basis, without having an appointment. Usually, they are located in convenient locations and operate with flexible hours often, they may be open after usual business hours or on weekends. The wait time to see a doctor will vary, so you should check online beforehand to see if they have an average wait time posted. Also, it is important that if you do visit a walk-in clinic you should alert your family doctor (if you have one) that you went, to assure a continuation of care.
Walk-in clinics fill a need in the healthcare system to treat minor to moderate medical situations that do not require a visit to the emergency room or when you cannot get in to see your family doctor. While they fulfill a much needed place in the health care system, they are not a long-term solution if you are without a family doctor.
