Health

Navigating Urgent Care Costs: What You Need to Know

January 25, 2024
SAHIL BATRA
Table of contents

Sometimes, medical issues strike, and your primary care provider is unavailable. Before heading to the ER, consider whether an urgent care facility would suffice. At urgent care centers, you can get seen without an appointment. 

If you don’t have insurance, you can still go to a clinic, but you’ll pay out-of-pocket. There’s no other way around it: urgent care is expensive. However, there are ways to navigate the costs so they’re more feasible.

To make urgent care more affordable, you’ll need to do some planning. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about navigating urgent care costs and search terms like “care now Frisco” to find local options.

Understand the difference between ERs and urgent care centers.

If you’re dealing with a medical emergency, go to the ER. To find ERs near you, search terms like “care now Frisco.” Urgent care centers are equipped to handle lower-priory health concerns rather than emergencies. So, even though the ER is more expensive, your health should always be the priority.

Look online under terms “care now Frisco” to find a list of clinic options.

If your health concerns can be treated effectively at an urgent care center, here are some ways you can save:

  • Call ahead to see what facilities charge for medical services without insurance. You’ll notice that different facilities can range significantly in the amounts they charge.
  • Create a list to refer to; this way, you can avoid paying more than you need if and when a medical concern arises.
  • If you have insurance, call ahead to find in-network facilities. In these cases, expect to cover your visit with your copay. Remember that with health insurance, you should expect to spend between $50-$100 for your visit through in-network facilities.
  • If your out-of-pocket costs are too high, get a different insurance plan to accommodate your needs. Review all the other plans in your area by searching queries like “care now Frisco” before deciding on which plan to go with; this way, you can get the best possible coverage.

Also Read: Navigating The Healthcare System When You’re Injured at Work

Ask the right questions.

When you call to ask about service prices, state your questions clearly. You’ll need to ask how much one visit is with or without insurance and whether payment plans are offered for added costs. Add these answers to the list of options you find by searching “care now Frisco,” and review them before you decide on a clinic.

Know your coverage level and deductible status beforehand.

You may have to pay additional fees for labs, follow-up appointments, etc. Your coverage level and deductible influence how much you’ll pay in any additional fees. If you’ve hit your deductible, your insurance should cover a larger percentage of your bill. 

Plan in advance to save on your visit.

Urgent care is costly. The best way to save on urgent care visits is to plan in advance. Search “care now Frisco” to find local options for care and follow the tips above to save as much as possible on your next visit.