Tips & Advice
How much do urgent care visits usually cost?
Under most health insurance plans, urgent care visits will require a copay that is usually less expensive than emergency room visits, but more expensive than standard doctor visits - around $120 on average. Urgent care staff do not have much information regarding individual coverage, so be prepared and check with your insurance provider to understand costs.
What if follow-up treatment is needed after visiting urgent care?
It is common for urgent care physicians to recommend follow-up treatment after an initial visit. Most commonly, patients will be asked to return to the clinic or their primary care doctor if symptoms get worse or do not improve in a certain amount of time. Patients might be referred to a specialist for treatment of more complex conditions. Or patients may simply be given a few basic tips for recovering at home. In any case, patients should follow the doctor’s advice regarding next treatment steps.
Can urgent care clinics prescribe medication?
If needed, urgent care doctors can prescribe medication to treat conditions. This may include antibiotics for an infection or pain medication for a broken bone. Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions for taking these medicines.
What information should you bring to an urgent care visit?
Be sure to explain your symptoms to physicians in as much detail as possible. Note when or where the symptoms first appeared if possible. Inform urgent care staff of any medical conditions you may have, all allergies, and all medications you are currently taking. Also be sure to bring proper forms of identification, and any health insurance cards/information to help process your visit.
How can I find a 24-hour urgent care clinic?
You should be able to find a 24-hour urgent care clinic by searching online resources such as yellowpages.com. Be sure the location is included in your health plan network before visiting.
Who works at an urgent care clinic?
Urgent care facilities are staffed with licensed and accredited doctors, nurses, and physician’s assistants trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health issues. However, they usually don’t have access to specialist doctors or surgeons, and will refer patients elsewhere if more treatment is needed.
Are urgent care visits covered by health insurance?
Health insurance plans vary in terms of which types of treatment are covered and by how much. Most health insurance plans include coverage for urgent care visits, but that coverage might apply only to certain locations within a network. Your insurance plan should have information available about urgent care options and costs, either online, over the phone or within written materials. Some providers even have a hotline that members can call to discuss their symptoms with a medical professional. This person can then recommend the best treatment option based on your needs.
Can a child go to an urgent care clinic?
Yes, children can visit urgent care clinics for the same reasons adults would. Urgent care centers are good options for kids who need medical treatment when their pediatrician is unavailable. Some hospitals may have urgent care facilities specializing in pediatrics, but parents should be able to take kids to any urgent care facility they choose. However, it’s important that a child has a pediatrician whom they visit regularly and who administers the bulk of their care. Establishing a long-term relationship with a pediatrician through routine checkups is essential to a child’s optimal health.
When should someone go to the emergency room instead of urgent care?
Anyone with a life-threatening condition should go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1. Urgent care facilities are not intended for anyone who needs medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, emergency rooms are staffed 24 hours per day, whereas urgent care facilities may not be open at certain times. A few examples of conditions which require emergency treatment include:
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke - Heart attacks usually begin with chest or arm pain, especially around the left shoulder, along with shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Stroke symptoms include sudden numbness in the face, arms or legs, sudden confusion, trouble seeing or walking, and severe, unexplained headache.
- Injuries with severe bleeding
- Advanced stages of labor
- Ingesting a toxic or severe allergy-inducing substance
What is an urgent care clinic?
An urgent care clinic is a medical service provider specializing in illnesses or injuries that require prompt attention, but are not life-threatening. They function as outpatient clinics offering a convenient alternative for those who either don’t have a primary care physician or need medical attention when their doctor is unavailable. Urgent care physicians can diagnose illnesses or injuries, provide outpatient treatment like stitches or medication, and refer patients for followup care or a specialist if necessary. Urgent care facilities may be part of a hospital campus or a standalone location.
