Got a minor ailment that needs to be checked out urgently? But don’t you think it’s worth going to ER (Emergency Room) for? A trip to an urgent care clinic could be better than visiting your local doctor’s office. You’re likely to faster and through treatment at an urgent care clinic. But how much does urgent care cost?
Many people expect convenience to cost more. Urgent care clinics aim to offer convenience and affordability. You could pay less than a trip to ER.
How much does a trip to urgent care cost?
According to debt.org, the average urgent care cost is between $150 to $200. Several factors influence urgent care visits. The location where you get the urgent care and the type of medications and treatments can change the actual care cost.
Urgent care clinics are convenient for everyone, especially employees who do not get time to visit a doctor during usual hours. Urgent care clinics are open on weekends and in the evening.
A national survey revealed that 44% of Americans skip a visit to the doctor. The main reason behind this is the high cost which people cannot afford.
Urgent care clinics are a smart option to encourage more people to get healthcare. It offers an affordable alternative opportunity to visit your local doctor. Not only can an urgent care visit cost less than going to ER, but it can also be quicker and more straightforward.
How much does urgent care cost cheaper than the emergency room?
Urgent care clinics are cheaper and the best for same-day treatment for minor injuries or illnesses. It is convenient for first aid treatment as it does not require an appointment. The Emergency Room is also convenient in that case, but the costs vary.
A tabular assessment will give a complete understanding of the costs in urgent care and Emergency Room. The following are the evaluation made by debt.org with some examples:
Condition |
Urgent Care Cost |
Emergency Room Costs |
---|---|---|
Allergies |
$97 |
$345 |
Acute Bronchitis |
$127 |
$595 |
Earache |
$110 |
$400 |
Sore Throat |
$94 |
$525 |
Pink Eyes |
$102 |
$370 |
Sinusitis |
$112 |
$617 |
Strep Throat |
$111 |
$531 |
Upper Respiratory Infection |
$111 |
$486 |
Urinary Tract Infection |
$112 |
$665 |
Wondering why there is a vast difference? Unlike urgent care clinics, emergency rooms have a specialized team of doctors and nurses, easy access to sophisticated labs, and monitoring equipment.
Do I need health insurance to visit an urgent care clinic?
It’s a known fact that some doctor’s clinics turn away patients that aren’t insured. So, many people go to ER, which provides treatment without insurance. In that matter, urgent care clinics provide treatment even if the patient is not insured. An uninsured urgent care clinic typically costs less compared to an ER visit for those uninsured.
How much does a visit to urgent care cost with insurance?
The insurer would pay the total cost of the treatment if you met your deductible. The deductible is an amount you pay to the insurer at the time of your medical insurance. Your insurance provider would charge this deductible – not the clinic. If you are unsure about the deductible amount, you can ask your insurer to find out.
You should make sure that your insurance plan also doesn’t include co-insurance. It is an extra payment on top of the deductible paid to cover health services. However, this may vary depending on the clinic from where you are receiving treatment. Fortunately, even if you have to pay co-insurance and a deductible, you’re likely to pay less at an urgent care clinic.
The cost benefits of an urgent care clinic
All in all, visiting an urgent care clinic can cost you less than pursuing any other option when getting treatment for a minor ailment. Here are some of the benefits summarised:
-
If you are uninsured, you’ll pay less at an urgent care clinic than at the ER.
-
Unlike some local doctor’s clinics, uninsured patients won’t be turned away. They aim to provide the cheapest treatment options to help meet their financial circumstances.
-
Urgent care clinics will cover all treatment costs for uninsured people. Providing they paid the deductibles and co-insurance.
-
Treatment is cheaper even with the added cost of a deductible and co-insurance.
Urgent care clinics not only offer to aim affordability but a more straightforward billing system. It takes the confusion out of medical costs. The staff at urgent care centers will guide you through the expenses. Also, simplify anything that you are unsure about.
Other Cheap Options To Buy Medications
Medications are available at online pharmacies at an affordable cost. Persons with or without insurance can get medications at online pharmacies. One of the cheapest options to buy medications is HealthMatter, apart from urgent care clinics. HealthMatter is the best option for purchasing Nootropics. Modalert is one of the most sought-after Nootropics nowadays. It helps treat sleep disorders and improves cognitive function and mental health. HealthMatter provides Modalert 200mg without a prescription and at the best price. Customers can anticipate the best prices and reliability, and assured free delivery.