Alabama has about 1.2 million adults with obesity. In fact, according to America's Healthcare Rankings, 33 percent of the population was considered obese in 2011. This along with other healthcare issues including smoking, chronic diseases such as diabetes, and a high infant mortality rate, the state carries an unfortunately low ranking in most national healthcare statistics, ranking at least 41st out of 50 in the top six categories.

Urgent Care in Alabama

There are very few urgent care centers in the state. In fact, this is one of the main problems that Alabama faces when it comes to getting quality medical care. In 2012 there were about 80 preventable hospitalizations per 1000 people discharged from emergency rooms. Many of those who seek emergency care would be better helped at an urgent care center. Urgent care centers are equipped to help those with illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening.

Walk-in Clinics in Alabama

Luckily, Alabama has a number of walk-in clinics for patients who need to be seen the same day. These clinics allow patients to get care for mild to moderate injuries and illnesses. In addition, some walk-in clinics in the state offer help to those who need primary care physicians. About 15 percent of the population of the state is uninsured, and having access to the more cost-effective option of a walk-in clinic is essential.

Healthcare in Alabama

There are a number of factors that lead to Alabama being ranked 45th in the country for healthcare. In addition to the high percentage of adults with obesity, about 24 percent of adults also smoke, leading to health problems. As people experience injury or sickness that needs to be addressed immediately, they have few options available to them. Some of this is due to the rural nature of the state, as well as the lack of sufficient urgent care facilities.

Specific urgent care and walk-in clinic services available in may include STD testing flu shots, school physicals and many other valuable services