Which type of medical setting is typically open seven days a week?

Urgent care facilities are designed to provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention, making them a critical resource for patients outside of regular office hours. They generally operate seven days a week, including evenings and holidays, to accommodate individuals who need urgent medical assistance but do not have access to a primary care physician or don't want to wait for an appointment.

In contrast, primary care settings typically operate during standard business hours, offering routine check-ups, preventive care, and treatment for chronic conditions. Secondary care, which involves specialized services often provided by hospitals or specialists, also generally follows regular business hours with limited weekend availability. Specialty care focuses on specific areas of medicine and usually requires patients to schedule appointments, often aligning with traditional healthcare office hours rather than being open daily. This makes urgent care the most accessible option for patients in need of immediate attention throughout the week.