Urgent Care Centers

Types of Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers are called many different names and offer a range of services:

• Some are described as “walk-in,” “drop-in,” “urgent,” or “immediate” care centers. Some centers are known by brand names, like Fastmed or Urgicare. Each state has rules about how these centers work.
• Some urgent care centers treat just certain kinds of medical problems. For instance, some centers are only for children. Others are for adults with orthopedic (bone and joint) problems. Sometimes a hospital has a center only for its own patients, such as a cancer hospital that requires a referral from the doctor.
• Many pharmacies, supermarkets, or other retail stores offer some types of urgent care. These places are often good for getting a flu shot or having your blood pressure checked. They also sell over-the-counter medications for colds or other short-term medical problems. But these stores are not set up to deal with more serious medical problems.

It is a good idea to ask whether the urgent care center is part of a hospital or health care system. This can be important if your family member gets regular care through one system or needs to go to an ER or be admitted to a hospital in the system.

It is easy to get confused about urgent care centers. To learn more, go to the Urgent Care Association of America.

• Introduction

• When There is a Medical Emergency
• How to Find an Urgent Care Center
• Questions to Ask Before Going to an Urgent Care Center
• What to Do After Going to an Urgent Care Center