How Much Is an Urgent Care Visit?

When an unexpected illness or injury occurs, your first thought may be getting care quickly. Your second thought is often about the cost. Considering your care options in advance can help you make a calm, informed and cost-effective decision should the need arise.

There are three main options for care: your primary care provider, an urgent care center and the hospital emergency room. While the exact cost of any medical service is difficult to predict, knowing the relative expense of these options can protect both your health and your finances.

This article examines the cost of urgent care, particularly in comparison to primary care and emergency room visits.

Understanding Your Healthcare Options

Choosing the right place for care depends on the severity of your condition. Each option is designed to handle different levels of medical need.

Primary Care Provider

Your primary care provider is best for preventive care, managing chronic conditions and addressing non-urgent health issues. They are aware of your health history, which is helpful, but obtaining same-day appointments for sudden problems may be challenging.

Urgent Care Center

Urgent care fills the gap between your primary care provider and the ER. It is ideal for conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Think of things like colds, flu, minor cuts or sprains.

Emergency Room

The ER is designed for severe or life-threatening situations. These are medical emergencies that require immediate, intensive intervention. Examples include chest pain, major injuries or difficulty breathing.

A Look at the Relative Cost of Care

The price for treatment is directly related to the level of care a facility is equipped to provide. For example, emergency rooms have teams of specialists and advanced diagnostic equipment available 24/7, which results in significantly higher operating expenses and higher costs for patients.

With the level of care in mind, you’ll typically find that the emergency room is the most expensive option. An urgent care visit typically costs much less than an ER visit for a similar condition. The most affordable option is usually a visit to your primary care physician. However, if your regular doctor is unavailable, urgent care provides a financially responsible alternative to the emergency room for immediate needs.

Remember that it’s crucial to get the treatment you need to protect your health. While cost is an important consideration, your primary concern should be to obtain the necessary level of care.

The Impact of Health Insurance

For those with health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is determined by the specifics of your plan, such as your deductible, copay and coinsurance. However, you’ll typically find that staying “in-network” is more cost-effective.

Like the overall cost of services, an emergency room copay is almost always higher than one for urgent care or primary care. For someone with a high-deductible health plan, choosing urgent care over the ER for a non-emergency medical issue can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

What if You Don’t Have Insurance?

For self-pay patients, an urgent care visit is still significantly more affordable than a trip to the ER for the same service. Many urgent care centers offer transparent pricing for self-pay patients, allowing you to know the cost upfront. This makes it a clearer choice for those who pay directly for their care.

Making the right choice for your medical needs is key. (If you don’t have a Baptist Health primary care provider, you can find one in our provider directory.) For conditions that aren’t life-threatening, urgent care offers a convenient and affordable alternative that provides the attention you need without the high cost of an emergency room.

If you are in need of urgent care, you can check in online before your visit, find a Baptist Health urgent care center near you, or schedule a video visit.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Urgent Care at Baptist Health
Does Urgent Care Do X-rays?
Does Urgent Care Do Stitches?
Can Urgent Care Do Ultrasound?