Life-threatening medical emergencies cannot be treated at urgent care centers. Instead, urgent care facilities are available for times when you require immediate care for a minor emergency. A primary goal of urgent care centers is to treat patients as quickly as possible. In most cases, patients won't have to wait longer than half an hour to see a doctor. Most people are on their way in about an hour without having to wait in a long line. Additionally, urgent care centers offer extended hours of operation in addition to providing skillful, convenient, and affordable care. A stomach bug or cold can be treated at an urgent care facility instead of your primary care physician if you get sick at an inconvenient time. It is not necessary to make an appointment to visit an urgent care center.