What exactly is an urgent care center?

Urgent care centers provide treatment for the non-life threatening illnesses and injuries that occur on a day-to-day basis. The center’s staff is equipped to handle a variety of illnesses and injuries, from colds and flu to lacerations and fractures. The OLBH Urgent Care Center is open six days a week(Mon - Sat) with hours extending from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Additionally, patients seeking medical attention or advice do not have to make appointments at the hospital’s Urgent Care Center.

Should I use the urgent care center instead of my family doctor?

The Urgent Care Center is a great option if you have an urgent medical condition that you feel needs immediate attention. If your family doctor is neither available, nor equipped to handle the situation, urgent care might be a suitable alternative. The Our Lady of Bellefonte Urgent Care Center will work closely with patients to ensure that all appropriate records are transferred to their local family physician.

How does urgent care differ from the hospital’s emergency room?

There are several main differences between the OLBH Urgent Care Center and its Emergency Room. The hospital’s Emergency Room is staffed 24-hours a day and is designed to treat patients suffering from life threatening injuries or serious illnesses. In contrast, the OLBH Urgent Care Center is designed to treat non-life threatening injuries (lacerations, mild fractures, etc.) and illnesses (colds, flu, migraines, etc.) in a patient friendly environment.

When should I utilize treatment at the Urgent Care Center?

The hospital’s Urgent Care Center should be used for any medical illness or injury that you deem as urgent. It is best to receive direct attention rather than waiting hours, days, or weeks for an appointment. Since the OLBH Urgent Care Center has extended evening hours beyond those of family doctors, it is an excellent option for late day, evening, and weekend medical problems.