Can You Pay With Cash at an Urgent Care Center?

Urgent care centers serve as accessible healthcare providers for immediate medical needs that are not life-threatening emergencies. They offer a convenient alternative to emergency rooms for conditions such as minor injuries, infections, and sudden illnesses. Patients seeking care at these centers will need to consider how services are paid for.

Paying Without Insurance

Urgent care centers generally accept direct payments from patients who do not have health insurance or who opt not to use their coverage. This approach is commonly referred to as “self-pay.” Direct payment methods include cash, major credit or debit cards, and funds from health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). HSAs and FSAs allow individuals to use pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, often including urgent care services, making them a tax-advantaged option.

Understanding Urgent Care Self-Pay Costs

The self-pay cost at an urgent care center can vary significantly based on the complexity of the visit and the medical services provided. A basic office visit for a simple consultation might range from $100 to $200, covering the initial assessment and examination. The price increases with additional services such as X-rays, laboratory work, or procedures like stitches. A visit requiring an X-ray could push the cost to $250-$400, while more complex treatments or multiple tests might exceed $500.

The self-pay rate usually covers the initial consultation and basic examination performed by the healthcare provider. It includes the facility fee and the professional fee for the physician’s time. However, this initial fee often does not encompass all potential costs. Specialized laboratory tests, prescription medications, or follow-up visits are generally billed separately. Patients should inquire about an estimated cost before or during their visit to understand their financial obligation.

The Self-Pay Process at Urgent Care

Patients opting for self-pay can inquire about price estimates prior to their arrival, often by phone, or at the check-in desk. Federal regulations, such as the No Surprises Act, require healthcare providers to furnish a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges to uninsured or self-pay patients before services are rendered. This estimate provides transparency regarding anticipated costs.

At check-in, patients provide basic personal details, their reason for the visit, and confirm their self-pay status. Payment collection practices vary; some centers may request payment upfront, while others might collect payment after the visit is complete. A portion of the estimated cost may be collected upfront, with any remaining balance due after services are finalized. If outsourced laboratory tests or other services are required, patients may receive a separate bill directly from third-party providers.