When you have a minor injury or illness that concerns you and you want to get it checked out, it's generally a good idea to seek medical care sooner than later. And if your primary care doctor can't squeeze in an appointment, it's up to you to decide which option is best: the emergency room or your local urgent care center.
Here are three key benefits of urgent care clinics you should consider before making that final choice:
1) Lower cost
Did you know that the average trip to the ER can cost up to $3,000 depending on the severity of your illness? According to a recent study highlighted by The Balance, the average trip to the ER typically can cost anywhere from $150 to $3,000. That’s a big range! On top of that, you're typically facing a co-pay of about $50 to $100 depending on your medical insurance coverage. This is a lot of money for a non-life-threatening issue.
When you need immediate medical care for a minor illness or injury, you will save time and money by visiting an urgent care center near you. In fact, the average trip to your local urgent care clinic will only cost about $200, according to Solv. At Indigo Urgent Care, this number is typically lower if you don't have to undergo extensive testing and you have medical insurance. You can expect your co-pay to reside between $25 and $75, thereby keeping plenty of money in your pocket. If you don’t have insurance, Indigo charges a flat fee of $175. This fee will cover:
- An exam evaluation with a medical provider
- In-clinic lab testing for strep throat, flu tests, UTI, pregnancy (immediate result tests only)
- X-rays
- Medication is given during the visit
Your Indigo provider may also suggest additional detailed lab testing or other treatments that will not be covered by the flat fee. But, they will discuss the price and options with you before moving forward with any services. We know what you’re thinking... Is it really possible to experience transparent pricing in health care? Yes! At Indigo, you can expect transparency at every step of your visit from the moment you check in to your discharge summary.
2) Speed of medical care
Even though emergency rooms are hailed for their ability to treat life-threatening conditions, visiting an urgent care center is often faster. In fact, 85% of urgent care clinics are open seven days per week and they often have wait times of about 30 minutes or less. When all is said and done, you're often able to enter the urgent care clinic, receive the help you need, and pick up a prescription within the span of a single hour.
It's thanks to the 20,000 medical professionals who are practicing urgent care medicine today that these walk-in clinics are so efficient. When your primary care doctor is not available, you can rest assured that your local Indigo Health will have a ready team on staff. When you want reliable health care at convenient times that work for you, rely on your local Indigo for those minor illnesses and injuries that shouldn’t wait.
3) Convenience
Walk-in medical clinics offer the best convenience. With their easily accessible locations, speed of service and high-quality care, countless people make Indigo Urgent Care their first choice. Because Indigo doesn't require appointments to be seen, this makes it a great option for adults and children who experience a sudden minor illness or injury.
These are just some of the many benefits associated with urgent care health clinics. Now, when the need arises and you're torn between visiting an urgent care clinic or the emergency room, the severity of your condition will play the most important role in your final decision. When you're ready to get prompt medical attention you deserve for any minor illness or injury, you can rely on Indigo Health for help today.
