Urgent care centers are the middle ground between primary care and emergency treatment. At Alamo City Urgent Care, we provide prompt medical services for a variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
These services help you avoid the long wait times typically associated with a hospital emergency room and get the needed treatment faster.
Keep reading to learn what is considered urgent care, the difference between urgent care centers and the emergency room (ER), and how our physicians can help you feel better faster with proper diagnosis and accurate treatment.
So, What Is Urgent Care For?
An urgent care clinic handles injuries and conditions that aren’t life-threatening but require fast treatment. If you have a condition or injury that isn’t putting your life in immediate danger but still needs medical care within 24 hours, visit an urgent care facility.
They provide quality healthcare without the hassle usually associated with emergency rooms.
How Much Does Urgent Care Cost?
The cost of visiting and urgent care center varies and depends on several factors:
- Insurance
If you are insured, you are typically responsible for paying a co-pay for your visit (often much lower than the total cost of your visit). However, you may still be responsible for part of the cost of additional services like lab tests or X-rays. What is an urgent care copay? Copays vary by health insurance plan but are often a set dollar amount that does not vary based on services provided. If you are not insured, you must pay for the entire cost of your visit as well as services provided.
- Location
Prices can vary based on the region or city.
- Services required
The nature and complexity of the services provided will influence the overall cost.
Services Offered in Urgent Care Clinics
Alamo City Urgent Care in San Antonio, TX, provides the following medical services:
- Physicals (e.g., for work, school, and camp)
What Is the Difference Between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room?
Urgent care centers and emergency rooms provide high-quality medical care but serve different purposes.
So, what is urgent care for, exactly? Urgent care is for treat non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention but are not severe enough for an emergency room. They are also helpful for busy individuals and families because they typically offer extended and weekend hours and accept walk-in visitors without appointments.
On the other hand, emergency rooms are designed to handle serious and life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate attention. They also offer extended hours and weekend hours and accept walk-in visitors, but they are typically more expensive and may involve longer wait times than your local urgent care center. Emergency rooms are required to triage patients based on the severity of their medical condition.
If you’re struggling with an acute but non-life-threatening medical condition that needs prompt attention and you can’t wait for an appointment with your primary care provider, urgent care may be your best option.
Benefits and Advantages of Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics provide medical services that bridge the gap between emergency rooms and primary physician offices. Here are some advantages to visiting our centers:
We Always Welcome Walk-in Visitors
You never need an appointment to see an urgent care doctor and Alamo City Urgent Care. If you have a medical issue that needs to be addressed immediately, you can walk in and get prompt treatment.
This also means you do not have to wait to see your regular physician to get treated if you are ill. You can visit us and go home feeling much better in no time.
We Offer Extended Business Hours
We understand medical emergencies do not adhere to timelines, and you may require medical attention after business hours.
If this happens to you, don’t worry. All Alamo City centers are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to ensure you have the care you need when your regular physician is unavailable.
We Provide Prompt Medical Attention
Stop enduring long waiting periods to see your doctor. We strive to deliver prompt medical treatment to help you feel better faster and return home sooner.
Need faster urgent care services? You can book ahead to save time or simply walk in. This feature helps shorten your waiting time and improves our service delivery.
We Offer a Broad Range of Medical Services
You can visit us for several non-life-threatening medical services. For example, you can receive a wellness checkup, physical for school or work, get vaccinated, or have a dislocated bone reset.
We offer a variety of medical services on a walk-in basis for your added convenience, helping you avoid a long wait in the emergency room.
Role of Urgent Care Physicians
Urgent care physicians play a crucial role in providing timely medical care for those struggling with painful but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Their responsibilities include:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Minor procedures (e.g., stitches, abscess drainage, etc.)
- Prescribing medications.
- Referrals to specialists as needed.
- Collaboration with your primary care provider to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
If you need help with a non-life-threatening but urgent injury or illness, skip the long ER wait times and visit Alamo City Urgent Care for prompt and accurate treatment.
Choose Alamo City Urgent Care for Expert Services
If you have a minor injury or medical condition, consider visiting Alamo City Urgent Care. Our team of specialists treats a wide range of urgent care needs, including back pain, abdominal discomfort, chest pain, migraines, pneumonia, the flu, and bacterial and viral infections.
