Urgent Care: Can You Get Treated Now & Pay Later

matthew cross
4 min readJun 25, 2024

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In today’s busy world, getting quick healthcare is super important. Urgent care centers are a great option for when you need medical help fast. But sometimes, the cost of treatment can be a big worry. Luckily, many urgent care places now offer ways for you to get treated right away and pay for it later. Let’s dive into what urgent care is all about and how you can handle the costs.

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What’s Urgent Care All About?

Urgent care centers are like a middle ground between the emergency room and your regular doctor. They can help you with non-life-threatening issues without the long waits and high costs of the ER. Here are some things they can help with:

  • Fixing minor injuries like sprains, cuts, and fractures.
  • Treating illnesses like colds, flu, and infections.
  • Running tests like X-rays and lab work.
  • Giving vaccines and doing health check-ups.

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Why Choose Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers have a lot of perks that make them a top choice for many people:

  • They’re open at convenient times, even on evenings and weekends.
  • You don’t need an appointment — just walk in and get help.
  • They’re usually cheaper than going to the emergency room.
  • You can get a bunch of different medical services all in one place.

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Dealing with the Costs

Even though urgent care is great, it can still be pricey. The cost can depend on what you need, where you go, and if you have insurance. Here are some common expenses:

  • Seeing a healthcare provider for the first time.
  • Paying for tests like X-rays and lab work.
  • Getting treatments like medications, stitches, and splints.

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Options for Paying Later

To make things easier on your wallet, many urgent care centers offer ways for you to get treated now and pay later. Here are some options:

1. Payment Plans

You can set up a payment plan to spread out the cost over a few months. This way, you can get the care you need without stressing about money right away.

2. Medical Credit Cards

Special credit cards for medical expenses, like Care Credit, can help cover your bills. Some cards even have deals where you don’t pay interest if you finish paying within a certain time.

3. Deferred Billing

Some places let you wait to pay for a bit. This can be helpful if you’re waiting for a paycheck or other money to come in.

4. Third-Party Financing

Companies team up with urgent care centers to offer loans or credit for medical costs. They usually have flexible payment plans and good interest rates.

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Insurance and Urgent Care

If you have insurance, it can really help lower your costs at urgent care. Make sure to check what your plan covers, like co-pays and deductibles. Also, see if the urgent care center is in your insurance network to save money.

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Getting Ready for Your Visit

Before you head to urgent care, there are a few things you can do to make things go smoothly:

1. Check Your Insurance

Call your insurance company to see what’s covered. Make sure the urgent care center is in-network and know how much you might have to pay.

2. Ask About Payment Options

Call ahead to ask about payment plans or financing. This way, you’ll know what to expect and can plan ahead.

3. Bring Important Stuff

Don’t forget to bring your insurance card, ID, list of meds, and medical history. This will help speed up the registration process.

4. Be Prepared

Write down your symptoms and questions before your visit. This way, you won’t forget anything important during your appointment.

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Wrapping It Up

Urgent care centers are a great option for quick medical help. And with payment options available, you can get treated without worrying about money right away. By understanding your choices, checking your insurance, and being prepared, you can make the most of your urgent care visit without any financial stress.

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matthew cross
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I work as a medical biller and coder for the RCMxpert medical billing company. https://rcmxpert.com/