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Frequently asked questions

How much will an urgent care visit cost?

Urgent care visits may be for a variety of reasons; the type of care and treatment required will influence the actual cost of the visit. Debt.org, a financial consulting organization serving the public, estimates that an urgent care visit in the US will cost between $150-$200 without insurance.


How can I find an urgent care center who takes my insurance?

With numerous insurance carriers and even more insurance plans, finding urgent care centers and providers that accept your particular insurance can be a hassle. However, Zocdoc makes this super simple!
Use Zocdoc’s drop-down insurance menu to easily select your carrier and plan. Zocdoc will then present you with a curated list of all the urgent care centers, practices and providers in your vicinity that accept your particular insurance. Finding urgent care that will accept your insurance has never been easier!


Are urgent care centers open after hours?

Most urgent care centers open at 7:00 am and stay open for patient care until as late as 9:00 pm. These centers not only provide care after hours, they are also available on weekends and holidays.
To find urgent care clinics and providers that will take appointments after hours, use Zocdoc’s “More filters” to filter out only those that will be available after 5pm.


Do urgent care centers take appointments?

While appointments are not necessary for urgent care centers, there is always an option of booking appointments in advance. This can help you get the care you need within a specified time frame. To book an appointment with an urgent care center or provider in your area, hop onto the Zocdoc website and find slots convenient to you. You could also do same day bookings, after hour bookings or even book for weekends. All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure and free!


Do urgent care centers offer virtual visits or telemedicine?

Some urgent care centers or providers have the option of providing video visits. This means that you can get the care needed from the comfort of your home. To find clinics and providers offering virtual appointments for urgent care, just look for a purple icon on their Zocdoc profile, or you could filter by video visits within the Zocdoc platform.


What are the most common urgent care conditions?

Urgent care can help with a wide variety of conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated by urgent care centers on a daily basis are cold and flu, sore throat, sprains or strains, urinary tract infections (UTI), conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal upsets, ear infections, rashes or insect bites, cuts, burns, scrapes and minor accidents. Many urgent care centers also provide services such as covid testing, x-rays etc.
On Zocdoc, you can also search for practices and providers using your symptoms. Just type in your symptom on the search bar and Zocdoc will give you a list of all the providers and clinics that can treat your condition.


What time of day is urgent care least busy?

Usually urgent care is known to be busiest early morning and evening, i.e., before and after work/school. This means that urgent care receives the least number of patients in the late morning and early afternoon.


What is the best time to go to an urgent care center?

The best time to seek urgent care is when you begin to notice symptoms of sickness. To have a seamless visit, use Zocdoc to book an appointment for the same day or any day of your convenience at a time that is best-suited to you!


What is urgent care?

Urgent care clinics provide walk-in medical treatment for illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. They bridge the gap between primary care and emergency rooms by offering same-day services for conditions that are too urgent to wait for a regular doctor’s visit, yet not severe enough for the ER. Urgent care centers typically have extended hours and are a convenient, affordable option for quick, reliable care.


Urgent care vs primary care

Urgent care is designed for sudden, non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate treatment, while primary care focuses on long-term health management, preventive screenings, and ongoing relationships with a provider.


When should I go to urgent care?

Urgent care is the right choice if you need fast treatment for a non-emergency issue and cannot see your primary care provider quickly.


Common reasons to visit urgent care include:

  • Cold, flu, or fever that needs quick evaluation
  • Sore throat, sinus infection, or earache
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
  • Mild asthma flare-ups or allergic reactions
  • Rashes, hives, or skin infections
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Minor cuts that may need stitches
  • Sprains, strains, or small fractures
  • Minor burns or injuries from falls
  • Animal or insect bites
  • Eye irritation or pink eye

In case of such issues, you can book a same-day urgent care appointment through Zocdoc and get the care you need.


What conditions does urgent care treat?

Urgent care providers manage a broad range of common illnesses and minor injuries for patients of all ages. Typical conditions include:

  • Respiratory infections and strep throat: Diagnosis and treatment for coughs, colds, flu, and sinus infections
  • Minor cuts and burns: Wound cleaning, dressing, and stitches for small injuries
  • Urinary tract infections: Fast testing and treatment to ease discomfort and prevent complications
  • Allergic reactions: Care for mild to moderate symptoms like hives, rashes, or stings
  • Sprains, strains, and fractures: On-site X-rays and treatment for musculoskeletal injuries
  • Skin conditions: Treatment for rashes, irritations, or infections
  • Ear and eye issues: Relief for infections, earaches, pink eye, or minor irritation
  • Digestive problems: Care for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when symptoms are not severe


What services do urgent care centers provide?

Urgent care clinics provide more than just immediate treatment. They also offer a variety of diagnostic and preventive services that support your overall health.. 


Here are some of the services you can typically expect:

  • On-site lab testing: Blood work, urine analysis, STD screening, and rapid flu or COVID-19 tests
  • X-rays and imaging: To check for pneumonia, broken bones, or other internal issues
  • Vaccinations and immunizations: Flu shots, travel vaccines, and school or work-required vaccines
  • Physical exams: Sports, school, camp, and employment physicals, plus general wellness screenings
  • Rapid infectious disease testing: Same-day results for flu, RSV, strep, and COVID-19 to guide timely care
  • Wound care and minor procedures: Cleaning, stitching, and dressing cuts or burns


How do I choose the best urgent care clinic?

When choosing an urgent care clinic, consider practical factors such as location, clinic hours, wait times, insurance accepted, and services offered. Patient reviews can also help you assess the quality of care and convenience.

Zocdoc makes this process simple. Compare top-rated urgent care specialists near you and book a same-day appointment online.

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.

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