What is a defining feature of "urgent care centers"?

Urgent care centers are specifically designed to provide immediate care for non-life-threatening medical conditions that require prompt attention. This includes situations like minor fractures, sprains, infections, and other ailments that do not warrant a visit to the emergency room but still need timely medical intervention.

These centers offer extended hours, often outside of normal business hours, to accommodate patients who need urgent care but cannot wait for an appointment with their primary care physician. The focus is on providing quick and efficient treatment to alleviate patients' health concerns without the delays typically associated with emergency services.

In contrast, life-threatening emergencies are more appropriately responded to in emergency rooms, which are equipped to handle critical situations. The operating hours of urgent care centers vary, as many function into the evenings and weekends, and they do not only cater to pediatric patients but serve a wider demographic including adults and children.