With a wide range of medical clinics available, how do you know which type of facility is best suited to meet your particular healthcare needs? Read on as we provide you insight as to the types of services you can expect at these facilities.
A clinic can be a facility where a group of physicians in various specialities work to provide a range of healthcare services to walk-in patients, in addition to patients with scheduled appointments. Many healthcare facilities focus on preventative and primary healthcare, whereas others like Intercare offer a wide spectrum of healthcare services. At these facilities, healthcare professionals specialising in particular healthcare fields and general practitioners are available to provide the required services.
If you need a specialist, the odds are that you will find one for your particular healthcare needs at one of the Intercare clinics.
The advantages of using these healthcare facilities are numerous, including:
Typical Reasons to Visit One of the Medical Clinics
Whether your child has a stomach ache or you need help in managing a chronic condition, you can schedule an appointment with a physician near you when needed. If your regular physician is not available immediately, but you need to see a doctor right away, you can still do so as several physicians are available at the facility to help you. Below are typical reasons to visit a healthcare facility.
Non-Life-Threatening Health Condition
Whether you suffer from a migraine or have constant heartburn for which you need to see a doctor, you can do so as trained physicians are available to help.
Injury Not Requiring Hospitalisation
Small cuts, bruises, scratches, and sprains are among the common reasons for walk-in patients who benefit from being able to get immediate attention.
Vaccinations, Screenings, and Immunisations
Visit the medical facility to get your seasonal flu shots, to have your child vaccinated, or to make sure your blood sugar levels are normal. Health screenings help to detect underlying conditions, which can become serious if not treated early on. A wide range of screenings are offered at these medical clinics. You can also have cholesterol testing, BMI testing, and other types of screenings performed.
Health Check-Up for Insurance or a Job Application
Many employers require new job applicants and those operating heavy machinery to get check-ups to assess their health and fitness to perform their duties. These can be done at one of the Intercare healthcare facilities. The same holds true for tests and examinations to get a medical report for insurance purposes.
COVID-19 Testing
If you suspect that you may have COVID-19, book a virtual consultation with one of the general practitioners at an Intercare clinic or use the booking system to schedule an appointment for testing.
Healthcare Information to Keep You Informed
The healthcare professionals at these facilities provide advice on a wide range of healthcare topics. You can also find up-to-date tips, guidance, and information on health conditions and healthy lifestyle choices at the online Health Hub section.
Specialist Care
For a condition, with which the general practitioner cannot help, you can get a referral to a specialist at one of these facilities. Intercare clinics have numerous specialists, including but not limited to:
The focus at these medical clinics is on out-patient care. This means where hospitalisation with overnight stay is required, the physician will refer you to the relevant facility. That said, Intercare has day hospitals where procedures not requiring overnight stay are performed, such as the removal of wisdom teeth. Intercare is affiliated with Mediclinic hospitals.
When Should You Visit a Medical Clinic and When Rush Straight to a Hospital’s Emergency Room?
If immediate intervention is required for a life-threatening or potentially life-threatening injury or condition, such as a severe asthma attack, allergic reaction, heart attack, or stroke, then a visit to the ER of a hospital is recommended. If the condition is not immediately life-threatening and can be treated without immediate surgery or another intensive invasive procedure, you can visit a medical clinic. The day facilities and group healthcare facilities are aimed at routine care, screenings, preventative care, and professional medical attention for illness and chronic disease management.
The specialists at these medical clinics provide consultations and treatments. Where invasive procedures are needed that require overnight stay in a hospital as part of post-operation care, they do the surgeries or the specialist care at the relevant hospitals.
To Recap on the Role of Medical Clinics in South Africa
A medical clinic provides you with the convenience of having several specialist services and general healthcare professionals under one roof. A central booking system is in place for your convenience, enabling you to schedule an appointment with a particular health professional or at a specific facility. This service is 24/7, also helping you to save time since you can provide the necessary information upfront. These facilities are smaller than hospitals, but as in the case of Intercare facilities, are often associated with hospitals. This means the healthcare professionals working at these facilities can still perform surgeries at hospitals.
Regular check-ups for well-being, chronic disease management, and treatments for common illnesses are reasons to visit one of the Intercare clinics.
Where to Find an Intercare Medical Clinic Near You?
Intercare medical and dental clinics are often located in or near shopping centres, making it even more convenient to schedule appointments, drop in for health check-ups, and still perform essential shopping. Pharmacies are located nearby or adjacent to the facilities, enabling you to have a prescription filled immediately after the doctor’s consultation.
Navigate to Facilities for more information on the types offered and use the search function to locate one near you. Facilities are located in many of the main centres in South Africa. Use the booking system to make an appointment at a specific Intercare medical clinic today.