When you have to go to an urgent care clinic, being prepared is the best way to make your visit as smooth and efficient as possible. By bringing everything you need, you can streamline the process, reduce stress, and focus on getting better. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a checklist of what to bring, from important medical information to comfort items that can help you pass the time.
You’ve got this! Healthcare can be overwhelming, but with a bit of preparation, developing a plan for urgent care will transition smoothly.
Let’s get after it with everything you need nailed down for your urgent care visit.
What Is an Urgent Care Clinic and When Should You Go?
Urgent care facilities fill the space between your primary care physician and the emergency room. They care for some urgent but non-life-threatening medical problems that you cannot wait to see your doctor for.
Urgent care is best used when you have non-life threatening injuries, an infection, or some sudden illness that cannot wait for a primary care physician appointment. Use urgent care for things like sprains, cuts that need stitches, flu symptoms, and urinary tract infections. Call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency (for example: chest pain, severe breathing problems, or major trauma).
The main difference between an emergency department and urgent care is that when you have an urgent but not life-threatening health condition, you often receive faster service at an urgent care. Additionally in most cases, the overall costs of urgent care are lower than an emergency department.
Urgent care is a good option when your primary care provider is not available (but you need medical care today).
When Urgent Care Is Your Best Option
Visit urgent care for fever, minor burns, ear infections, pink eye, or mild allergic reactions. These centers excel at handling the wide range of conditions that fall between “I can wait” and “this is an emergency.” Most facilities also provide lab work, basic imaging, and can write prescriptions on the spot.
Finding the Best Urgent Care Near Me
Searching for the best urgent care near me? Here’s what to look for:
How to Choose:
- Review: Patient feedback is a very good indication of care, check the reviews.
- Certification: Do they have board-certified providers?
- Wait time: Many clinics maintain an online wait list system to view wait times for any clinic.
- After-hours and so on: You can search “urgent care open 24 hours near me” for emergencies during non-usual hours.
Pro Tips:
- Bookmark a few local urgent care centers.
- Ask your friends and/or coworkers about any recommendations they have.
- Choose a clinic that their insurance network covers, if applicable.
Any research you do will get you closer to finding a quality comprehensive urgent care, with the patient/consumer focus first.
What Makes a Clinic Stand Out
Quality care centers are generally rated as comprehensive urgent care, including labs on-site, free or low fee X-rays on-site, IV therapy, and so on. The best facilities offer clear pricing, accept a variety of insurances, and have payment support for those with little/no insurance.
Being prepared ahead of time can save you valuable time and allow your provider to make the most informed decisions regarding your diagnosis and treatment.
Please bring the following essentials with you:
- An up-to-date, valid photo ID
- Insurance cards or health plan information
- A current list of medications and supplements
- Most recent test results and/or referral (if applicable)
- A current list of your symptoms and questions
- Payment type accepted (cash, card, HSA)
Tip: It might be handy to carry a folder or binder in your bag with past medical records to help when needed. If you don’t have health insurance, you may want to inquire about payment plans or if they have a sliding scale fee.
Payment and Documentation Essentials
Most centers accept cash, credit card, or health savings account cards. Some take credit cards and also have a payment plan to help with larger bills. If you do not have insurance, ask if they offer a self-pay discount or if they are able to charge you a sliding scale fee depending on your income.
What to Expect During Your Urgent Care Visit
Most check-in procedures begin with registration, followed by insurance verification, and an evaluation. Staff will collect information regarding your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Please be open and honest as this will make a difference in the quality of your care.
Average wait times vary from location and the time of day, but most patients will see a doctor or clinician within 30-60 minutes. Some facilities even have online check-in so you can reserve your chair before you even arrive.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Arrive early to complete paperwork without rushing. Bring entertainment for potential wait times, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about your condition or treatment options.
Questions to Ask Before You Leave
Before walking out of the urgent care clinic, make sure you’re clear on what comes next.
Ask These Questions:
- What is my diagnosis?
- What treatment or medication is recommended?
- Do I need a follow-up appointment or specialist referral?
- What symptoms should prompt me to return or go to the ER?
- Are there any at-home remedies that can help?
Pro Tip: Take notes or ask for a written summary of your care. You deserve to leave informed and confident.
Follow-Up Care Considerations
Inquire about indications for immediate medical intervention or attention. When you should return to urgent care as opposed to calling 911 could be important for your health and safety.
Exploring Virtual Urgent Care
Virtual urgent care has taken access to healthcare to a new level, even for minor illnesses that do not require a physical examination. Accessing online urgent care can be appropriate for medication refills, minor skin conditions, cold and flu symptoms, and very basic evaluations.
Many health insurance plans are now permitting virtual urgent care visits, often with reduced copay amounts than seen for in person visits. Before you incur your next bout of minor illness or injury, make sure to see if your health plan has a telehealth/telemedicine benefit.
Want to learn how virtual care can benefit every member of your household? Read our guide on how online urgent care meets the needs of every family member.
There are limitations to virtual visits though. If you are experiencing physical injuries, serious symptoms, or require lab tests or imaging, you will still need an in-person evaluation at a traditional care provider’s office.
Comprehensive Urgent Care Services to Look For
High quality urgent care facilities often provide complete acute services that extend beyond general medical care. Look for facilities with an on-site lab, digital imaging and minor surgical procedures.
Many newer facilities have similar options, and some even have specialty services such as occupational health evaluations, travel medicine consults, and sports medicine. Having all of these options at one location saves time and money.
If you have children, you might want to consider a facility with pediatric urgent care as well. Facilities with pediatric training and child-friendly environments help decrease stress for both children and their parents during their health care experiences.
Conclusion
Worrying about your urgent care visit doesn’t have to be. This guide and checklist ensure you can find the quality care you are looking for, understand out-of-pocket costs, and make informed decisions about your healthcare. Seeking medical attention for non-emergent issues in urgent care is a good idea because it can prevent small issues from becoming significant issues.
At MD Clinics, we know that your health cannot wait! We offer comprehensive urgent care services, an experienced medical team, and a patient-focused approach to help you receive compassionate care when you need it. Go to https://mdmedicalclinics.com/ to find more information about our clinics, services, and health efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I expect to wait at an urgent care clinic?
Most patients will be seen within 30-60 minutes but wait times can vary based on factors such as facility location and traffic, time of day, and the number of patients. Many urgent care centers have online check-in options to minimize your waiting time.
Can urgent care centers prescribe antibiotics and other medications?
Yes, urgent care providers are able to write prescriptions for almost all the medications you may need, including antibiotics, pain medications, and many others to treat your medical condition.
Is urgent care more expensive than seeing my regular doctor?
Urgent care typically costs more than a primary care visit but significantly less than an emergency room visit. Check with your insurance for specific copay information.
What’s the difference between urgent care and emergency care?
Urgent care centers can treat medical problems that are not life-threatening but require timely attention. Emergency departments manage life-threatening conditions that need immediate intervention.
Do I need an appointment for urgent care?
Most urgent care facilities provide walk-in visits but some have appointment scheduling or online check-in to limit your wait time.
