We’ve all experienced those unexpected incidents—a fever out of the blue, a sudden sprain, an earache in a child.
It’s after hours, your doctor’s office is closed, and the ER seems like too much.
So, when to go to urgent care?
This knowledge can save you time, money and avoid unnecessary stress.
In this post, we will break down what urgent care is all about, when it is the appropriate choice, what it will cost, and how someone can find a quality urgent care center such as Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care.
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care centers are walk-in clinics. They address non-life-threatening health issues that require immediate intervention.
They bridge the gap between routine doctor visits and the emergency care room.
Let’s put it this way—urgent care can be your go-to for conditions that can’t wait a few days but aren’t really severe enough for the ER.
When to Go to Urgent Care?
If you’re wondering when to visit urgent care, below are some of the primary problems addressed in an urgent care visit.
- The slight injuries: these can include sprains, strains, and even small fractures
- Cold / flu symptoms
- Sinus infections
- Earaches
- Sore throats
- Pink eye or minor eye injuries
- Mild asthma attacks
- Cuts needing stitches
- Laceration
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin rashes or allergic reactions
Often these clinics provide diagnostic workup such as X-rays, lab work, and physical exams for school work or travel.
When Not to Go to Urgent Care
Urgent care is not a replacement for emergency care. You should go directly to the ER or call 911 for:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Signs of stroke (sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking)
- Major trauma or head injury
- Loss of consciousness
Better to go to the ER if in doubt – in a life-threatening situation.
Urgent Care Wait Times and Accessibility
Convenience is one of the greatest advantages of urgent care.
ERs (Emergency Rooms) prioritize patients based on severity (the sickest patients go first), and hence, wait times for ERs are generally higher compared to urgent care.
Urgent care wait times are shorter.
This is more so if you check in virtually or make a visit during off-peak periods, i.e early mornings and weekdays.
Over 90% of the sick are in urgent care centers and out of them within an hour.
Does Urgent Care Take Insurance?
Surely, the great majority of urgent care clinics will accept insurance.
It is always advisable to call in advance or look it up online.
How Much Does Urgent Care Cost Without Insurance?
If you do not have insurance, you will be pleased to know that the urgent care cost is actually much cheaper than going to the ER.
Depending on the service required, where you are located, and what tests are needed, urgent care costs range from $80 to $250 without insurance.
This makes this a lot more affordable option for many non-emergency issues.
Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care — Quality Care Close to Home
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we know that health problems might or might not happen during working hours.
That is why we have those convenient and quite efficient urgent care services concerning various non-life-threatening diseases and injuries.
Our services include:
- Walk-in appointments
- Same-day scheduling
- Virtual care options
Comprehensive services including family practice, behavioral health, and IV therapy.
Considering options for depression treatment? We provide free consultations for NeuroStar TMS therapy to see if it will be suitable for you.
Quality Urgent Care Without the Need for Insurance
Everyone deserves access to quality urgent care that’s fast, affordable, and respectful.
We recognize that unpredictable health needs can occur despite the lack of health insurance.
We provide a flat-fee rate of $200 for most services offered in the clinic.
We are open Monday through Saturday to make it convenient for you.
No appointment is necessary. To access our address and operating hours, visit our website to check our services and hours, or book your visit.
Trust Your Gut—And Know Your Options
Use this simple rule of thumb if you don’t know whether to visit urgent care.
If your condition requires attention in 24 hours but is not time-sensitive, then urgent care is what you should seek.
It is a secure, speedy, and inexpensive means of receiving assistance whenever you require it.
Next Steps
- Feeling under the weather?
- Care needed out of regular office hours?
- Confused about where to go for the minor injuries?
Visit Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care—walk in or book online.
FAQs
What’s the meaning of being in an urgent care?
This means that they are going to be treated for a non-emergency condition that must be attended to asap.
What is the best time to go to urgent care?
Shortest urgent care wait times occur early in the mornings or on weekdays.
What does urgent care deal with?
- Minimal injuries and infections
- Physical examinations, labs, and even X-rays
What is the difference between urgent and emergency care?
- Urgent care is for minor injuries.
- ER is for severe, life-threatening conditions.
What is an urgent patient?
A patient who needs urgent medical service, but not in a threatening emergency.
Does urgent care do X rays?
Yes, many urgent care centers do. Grace Health Clinic also provides on-site X-rays.