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Visiting a Renown Urgent Care location is an excellent option when you have a non-severe condition, such as a skin rash or sore throat, can't get in to see your primary care provider in a timely manner or if you need an appointment after regular business hours. To learn more about the ins and outs of Urgent Care, we spoke to David Lemak, MD, Division Chief Urgent Care, who let us know some reasons to visit Urgent Care, how to make your visit as efficient as possible, and more. Remember, for a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately! Urgent Care is similar to a Primary Care provider Urgent Care providers can do most of the things your Primary Care provider can do, with visits billed the same as an office visit. If you could put the word “severe” in front of your reason for visiting Urgent Care, please go to the emergency department right away For a list of what is an appropriate visit for Urgent Care click here. Also, we recommend that babies 2 months old and younger should go to the Renown Children’s Emergency Department, not Urgent Care.  Renown Health has 10 Urgent Care locations across northern Nevada There are five locations in Reno, two in Sparks, one in Carson City, one in Fernley and one in Fallon. For a complete list of Renown Urgent Care locations, click here.  Many of your Urgent Care needs can be accomplished via a virtual visit, from the comfort of your home or office Conditions Appropriate for a Virtual Visit Included:   - Common cold and cough symptoms - Muscular, tendon or joint pain not cause by injury  - Allergy or sinus symptoms   - Pink eye  - Urinary discomfort  - Backache  - Sexually transmitted illness screening   - Rashes or skin sores - Medication refills (no controlled substances) Some conditions are not appropriate for a virtual visit. They include:  - Chest or abdominal pain   - Shortness of breath  - Traumatic injuries  - Dizziness or confusion   - Bleeding    - High fever   - Persistent vomiting  - Loss of vision   - Substance abuse or psychiatric problems Book ahead for shorter wait times, but remember walk-ins are always available. Click here to make your appointment. This booking page conveniently shows the next available appointment at each location. Typically, mornings and late afternoon (right before dinner time) have the shortest wait times if you plan on walking in.   You will be asked to wait in your car when you arrive at a Renown Urgent Care facility. While you wait (or even before you arrive), patients are encouraged to complete all registration paperwork and co-pay information online.  Urgent Care is great for visits such as back-to-school physicals, camp physicals, commercial motor vehicle exams and more. Sometimes you cannot get in to see your primary care provider to meet the last-minute deadlines for certain school or work-related physicals. Many of these appointments can be completed at Urgent Care; we just recommend you call ahead and confirm that our facility offers what you need.  An Urgent Care provider can virtually order a PCR COVID-19 test.  Whether you have a possible exposure, are not feeling quite like yourself or need a negative test for upcoming travel, a COVID-19 test can be ordered for you. The cost for a visit to Urgent Care is dependent on your benefits, but the visit is billed the same as a standard office visit. If you don’t have insurance, a basic visit to a Renown Urgent Care will cost $125.

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As families spend more time outdoors to enjoy the summer temperatures, it's important to be aware of potential hazards that can lead to burns – be it sunburns, burns sustained while grilling or navigating the hot surfaces often found around pool decks and parks. All these burn types are not only painful but can also cause severe damage to the skin and require immediate medical attention.   Ross Albright, MD, an emergency care physician, explores effective preventive measures to avoid burns during the summer and discusses when it's essential to seek medical care.  Stay Sun Safe While soaking up the sun is a favorite summer pastime for many, it's important to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburns not only damage the skin but also increase the risk of more severe burns.  Follow these tips for staying safe in the sun:  Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours.  Seek shade during peak hours of sun intensity, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight, long-sleeved garments.  Fire and Hot Object Safety Summer is full of fun outdoor activities like BBQs, campfires and fireworks, all of which can pose a fire hazard if not handled carefully.   To prevent burns caused by fires:  Maintain a safe distance from open flames and grills and always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot objects.  Keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit readily available.  Keep children away from hot objects and fireworks and educate them about the dangers of touching or playing with them.  Hot Surface Safety  Asphalt, metal slides and surfaces around the pool retain heat and are likely to be significantly hotter than other materials such as a wooden picnic table to grassy pathway (these can still be hot too!). So, it's crucial to be cautious around these materials to prevent burns:  Use caution when near hot surfaces surrounding water sources, such as pool decks or metal slides.  Always wear shoes when walking on hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and even sand.  Ensure that playground equipment such as slides and swings are cool to the touch before your kiddos start climbing around.   Recognizing Severity of Burns and Seeking Care  Despite our best efforts, burns can still occur. It's essential to know when a burn requires medical attention:  First-degree burns, characterized by redness, pain and minor swelling, can typically be treated at home with cool water and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).  Second-degree burns, which may cause blistering and more intense pain, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Third-degree burns, indicated by charring or blackened skin, deep tissue damage or burns that cover a large area, require immediate emergency care.  Preventing burns during the summer is paramount to enjoying a safe and enjoyable season. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of burns and ensure prompt medical attention when necessary. Stay informed, stay safe and have a burn-free summer!  If you or someone you know experiences a burn, it's important to seek immediate medical care.

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