by octopod December 8, 2003
These "Urgent Care Centers" that are popping-up all over the U.S. are collecting several slang terms, the most popular seems to be "doc. in a box" as many of these facilities are free standing structures (boxes) and have either a doctor (doc.) and/or sometimes a "nurse practitioner" who operates under the supervision of a doctor. Another slang term sometimes heard is "band aid station" but that term is most often used as slang for a small rural or regional hospital due to them being (at times) under staffed or equipped for more major procedures. Either one refers to a small medical facility/clinic.
I broke my arm at work yesterday and my employer sent me to the doc in a box to get it splinted. I'm going to get more x-rays and a follow-up with a specialist tomorrow.
by RHS from IN. December 2, 2017