After an especially severe cold and flu season that resulted in a record number of hospitalizations and deaths, in addition to a measles outbreak that originated in California and spread to several other states, local urgent care centers across the country have had their hands full.

Although this winter was rife with severe illness, urgent care clinics remained diligent in providing quality, affordable, and convenient care to those in need. In fact, urgent care services are a vital aspect of the entire American health care system, as the bridge the gap between traditional and primary care physician offices with emergency rooms.

There are several benefits to visiting an urgent care center, which is they have become so popular in recent years. The surge in urgent care can be attributed to a number of reasons, particularly cost. On average, a visit to a local urgent care center is significantly less than an emergency room visit, which can cost upwards of $1,500 or more. On the other hand, a typical urgent care center costs less than $200.

Another benefit of visiting an urgent care center is quality medical care. For example, if you’re on vacation and fall ill, you won’t be able to see your primary care physician. However, regardless of location, urgent care centers across the country are staffed with experienced and caring medical professionals.

In addition, unlike hospital emergency rooms, its common for patients to be seen and treated in under an hour.