Going to urgent care is where most folks head when they have a major issue. Anything from a round of food poisoning to severe bleeding may involve a trip to the local urgent care center.
But did you know there are ways to save on urgent care costs? Knowing what runs up a large bill and what is best left for the emergency room helps you plan ahead when making a trip.
Discover what is important to know about these costs and what steps you can take to save money.
As a general rule, most insurance companies, including state insurance, cover urgent care. It’s important to be aware since different centers bill higher than others.
Don’t go in thinking everything is fine and walk away with a large bill. Instead, check with your insurance company either before you go in or when you have free time.
Find out how much of your visit is covered, and notate it somewhere. Having this knowledge saves you time and prevents further surprises from happening when you have urgent medical needs.
When at the urgent care, some items cost higher than others. Although you cannot control what you need treatment for, be aware and prepared when you see an itemized bill with these charges:
Urgent care treats a wide variety of ailments, from illnesses that are contagious to broken bones. Knowing what types of problems and treatments cost the most is helpful when you have a visit.
This prevents you from being blindsided by cost, while still getting the help you need in a timely manner. If your insurance doesn’t cover as much as you expected, don’t despair; some urgent care centers offer payment arrangments.
The emergency room can result in a lot of waiting. It isn’t everyone’s preferred choice, but it’s helpful to know when you should head over there instead of the urgent care office.
That’s because urgent care isn’t designed to handle extreme accidents or problems that require the skill and knowledge of a specialist or advanced medical team.
These are helpful signs when it’s time to go to the emergency room:
Some individuals, such as those that are pregnant or have a pre-existing condition that is causing or worsening their issue, such as cancer, are best helped by doctors in an emergency room setting.
Going to the emergency room gets them the help they need right away and prevents a double bill from occurring at both the ER and the urgent care.
Seeking treatment for an accident or health problem at the urgent care is nerve-wracking for anyone. By understanding how to anticipate and save on urgent care costs, you’ll avoid double-billing and have a better idea of what you’ll pay.
If you’re looking for a helpful and caring urgent care clinic, we are here. Contact us today, and see how we can help serve your medical needs.