Best Urgent Cares in Charleston
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Urgent Care in Charleston
Definition and scope of urgent care medicine
Urgent care medicine bridges the gap between primary care and emergency services, offering immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. In Charleston, urgent care facilities provide a valuable healthcare option for residents and visitors alike.
Patients should consider urgent care when they need prompt medical attention for issues such as minor injuries, infections, or exacerbations of chronic conditions that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment with a primary care physician. However, for life-threatening emergencies, it's essential to seek care at an emergency department.
Urgent care centers in Charleston typically treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to sprains, strains, minor fractures, cuts requiring stitches, flu symptoms, ear infections, and urinary tract infections.
Importance of urgent care services in Charleston
Urgent care centers in Charleston offer extended hours, often including evenings and weekends, making healthcare more accessible to those with busy schedules or unexpected medical needs. This convenience is particularly valuable in a dynamic city like Charleston, where residents and tourists may require medical attention outside of regular office hours.
By providing an alternative to emergency rooms for non-life-threatening conditions, urgent care facilities play a significant role in reducing overcrowding in Charleston's emergency departments. This allows emergency rooms to focus on critical cases while ensuring that patients with less severe conditions receive timely and appropriate care.
The presence of qualified urgent care specialists in Charleston, such as Dr. John Sorrell and Dr. Edward Neilsen, who are board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine respectively, ensures that residents have access to high-quality care for urgent medical needs.
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List of Urgent Cares in Charleston
Dr. Edward Neilsen
5.0
Charleston, SC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Family Medicine
Pitt Co Mem Hospital (Residency Hospital)
Medical University of South Carolina (Medical School, 2002)
English
Family Medicine
Urgent Care Medicine
Dr. John David Williamson
N/A
Charleston, SC
Sex
Male
Languages
English, Spanish
American Board of Family Medicine
Musc / Trident Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2007)
Medical University of South Carolina (Medical School, 2006)
Clemson University (Undergraduate School, 2002)
English
Spanish
Family Medicine
Pediatrics
Hospital Medicine
Urgent Care Medicine
Women's Health Medicine
Selecting an Urgent Care Doctor in Charleston
Factors to consider when choosing a provider
Qualifications and board certifications
- Review educational background
- Check for relevant board certifications (e.g., American Board of Emergency Medicine or Family Medicine)
Patient ratings and reviews
- Examine star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
- Consider the number of reviews for a more accurate representation
Availability and location
- Check for convenient office locations in Charleston
- Inquire about office hours and wait times
Overview of the doctor selection process
Utilizing online resources
- Explore platforms like Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
- Compare multiple doctors side-by-side using available data
Verifying insurance acceptance
- Contact the urgent care facility to confirm they accept your insurance
- Understand potential out-of-pocket costs
Top-Ranked Urgent Care Doctors in Charleston
Dr. John Sorrell
Background and Specialties
- Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Medicine specialist
- Brings extensive experience to urgent care settings
Education and Certifications
- Medical degree from Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (1982)
- Residency at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital
- Board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine
Patient Satisfaction
- Perfect 5.0-star rating on Healthgrades
- Note: Rating based on limited number of reviews
Contact Information
- Phone: (843) 203-2246
- Additional details available on Healthgrades profile
Dr. Edward Neilsen
Background and Specialties
- Family Medicine and Urgent Care Medicine specialist
- Combines family medicine expertise with urgent care services
Education and Certifications
- Medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina (2002)
- Residency at Pitt Co Mem Hospital
- Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
Patient Satisfaction
- Excellent 5.0-star rating on Healthgrades
- Based on feedback from 3 patient reviews
Additional Information
- Further details and contact information available on Healthgrades profile
Dr. Thomas Howard
Background and Specialties
- Family Medicine and Urgent Care Medicine specialist
- Offers a blend of family medicine and urgent care expertise
Education
- Medical degree from Saint George's University School of Medicine
- No listed residency or board certifications in the provided data
Patient Satisfaction
- 3.7-star rating on Healthgrades
- Based on a substantial 39 patient reviews
Contact Information
- Phone: (843) 979-4006
- More information available on Healthgrades profile
Dr. John David Williamson
Background and Specialties
- Diverse expertise including Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Hospital Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine, and Women's Health Medicine
- Offers comprehensive care across various medical needs
Education and Certifications
- Medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina (2006)
- Internship at MUSC / Trident Medical Center (2007)
- Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
Languages
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Ability to serve a diverse patient population
Additional Information
- No patient ratings available in the provided data
- Further details can be found on his Healthgrades profile
Additional Resources for Finding the Right Urgent Care Doctor in Charleston
Online Platforms and Directories
Healthgrades and Similar Websites
- Utilize Healthgrades for detailed doctor profiles
- Compare patient ratings and reviews across platforms
Local Medical Society Resources
- Check the South Carolina Medical Association website
- Explore Charleston County Medical Society listings
Tips for Evaluating Urgent Care Facilities
Operational Considerations
- Verify hours of operation for extended availability
- Inquire about average wait times and appointment options
Insurance and Payment
- Confirm accepted insurance plans
- Understand out-of-pocket costs and payment policies
Importance of Primary Care Coordination
Integrating Urgent Care with Regular Health Management
- Establish communication between urgent care and primary care providers
- Ensure follow-up care after urgent care visits
Comprehensive Health Overview
- Maintain a consistent health record across all care settings
- Use primary care for preventive services and chronic condition management