You need care, and you need it fast. But depending on where you end up choosing your care can give you a heart attack when the bill comes. Emergency rooms and urgent care centers offer a number of the same services. But choosing to seek those services at an urgent care can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars and many hours of time.
What if we told you the average emergency room visit costs 40 percent more than a month’s rent? People spend $4.4 billion on unnecessary ER visits annually when treatment could have been provided at an urgent care clinic.
On average, urgent care visits cost between $100 and $200. ER visits can cost upwards of over $1,000 a visit, with an average visit costing between $1,200 and $1,300.
The cost of care shouldn’t be the only consideration. Time is important, too. The average wait time at an emergency room is four hours. Wait times at urgent care visits are typically 30 minutes, on average. Lower costs and shorter wait times are important, but so is the quality of the care. Studies show the treatment for the most common injuries and illnesses at an urgent care is equal to or better than the care at emergency rooms. Urgent care centers are also known for more personalized care. In many cases, an urgent care becomes a substitute for many patients when it comes to primary care. Have insurance? The average co-pay for insured patients can be as much as four times more expensive than an urgent care co-pay.
Emergency centers are much more expensive than urgent care services because the resources are sparse and intended to only be used for serious, life-threatening issues. For example, if you have a bad cold and your doctor is unavailable, the emergency room may accept you, but they will charge more for the time and resources they had to expend on your behalf. Urgent care, however, is designed for situations just like this one and can provide more efficient, cost-effective care.
When to Seek Emergency Room Care?
You should contact the nearest emergency room for serious issues such as:
- Electrical shock
- Pregnancy complications
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns
- Severe/open fractures
- Signs of stroke or heart attack
- Unconsciousness
Urgent care centers can provide services similar to what you will find at a primary care provider, however, it saves you the trouble of working around your regular doctor’s schedule. No appointments or referrals are needed. Walk-ins truly are welcome.
American Family Care centers take urgent care to a new level by offering additional on-site services such as x-rays and labs, improved wait times, speedier visits, and treatment from a highly-trained medical staff.
We are open for extended hours of the day, including the early morning and late evening hours, seven days a week. AFC centers accept most local and national insurance plans and offer very affordable self-pay options. To find an AFC location nearest you, click here.
FAQs
The average co-pay for insured patients can be as much as four times more expensive than an urgent care co-pay. Emergency centers are much more expensive than urgent care services because the resources are sparse and intended to only be used for serious, life-threatening issues.
What is the average cost of an urgent care visit in the US? ›
It is important to note that the cost of an urgent care visit can vary depending on the location and specific services provided. On average, the cost ranges from $100 to $150 without insurance coverage. However, additional expenses may apply if further testing or treatment is necessary.
How much do most ER visits cost? ›
How much is an ER visit without insurance? As noted, the average cost for an emergency room visit can be anywhere between $2,400 to $2,600. If you visit the ER without insurance, you could end up paying that entire amount — or more — yourself. According to Health System Tracker, 25% of ER visits cost $3,043 or more.
What is the difference between urgent care and emergency room in USA? ›
Urgent care is for injuries or illnesses that are not life-threatening. The emergency room, on the other hand, is for serious issues that may be considered a medical emergency. One of the biggest differences between urgent care and the ER is the wait time and accessibility.
How much does an emergency room cost without insurance in US? ›
The average cost of a visit to the emergency room without health insurance is $2,200. These costs vary by location and facility. ER costs also vary greatly by state – $623 in Maryland, $2318 in Texas, and $3102 in Florida.
Why are ER visits so expensive? ›
They require a large amount of equipment that is often expensive to buy and maintain. Also, need to have inventories of supplies from medicines to durable medical goods. They operate on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week schedule. It also takes a lot of people to run an emergency room.
Where is the cheapest place to see a doctor? ›
Community health centers and walk-in clinics tend to offer more affordable healthcare than visiting a direct primary care doctor. These options are sometimes even free, especially when shopping for preventive screenings or important vaccinations.
Is it better to go to the ER at night or morning? ›
The least busy times at the ER are usually early in the morning, particularly between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m.
How much does the average ER visit cost in California? ›
ER Visit Cost By State
| State | Avg. ER Cost ($ adjusted inflation) 2024 |
|---|
| Texas | $2,536 |
| Nevada | $2,826 |
| Colorado | $3,157 |
| California | $3,238 |
47 more rowsMay 12, 2024
Hospital Fees for Patients without Canadian Health Insurance
| Uninsured resident of Canada | International student (UHIP/CHIP)* |
|---|
| Outpatient visit (Hospital appointments), each | $386 | $772 |
| Emergency visit, each | $386 | $772 |
You should call 911 or come right to the emergency room if you're systemically sick. That's when an illness affects your entire body, and you have severe pain or sudden onset of severe symptoms, a fever that won't break, or “something doesn't work,” like you're unable to move an arm or leg or breathe normally.
What to say to get seen faster in an emergency room? ›
Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of your symptoms.
What is a valid reason to go to the ER? ›
Serious burns or cuts that won't stop bleeding or close. Severe allergic reaction. Severe cold or flu symptoms. Shortness of breath. Stroke symptoms like slurred speech, numbness on one side, facial droop, or vision loss.
Is emergency health care free in USA? ›
Going to the Hospital without Insurance
The legal obligation for emergency rooms to treat you whether or not you're insured shouldn't be confused with free treatment. You'll be charged afterwards, whether you can pay or not.
How much is urgent care in Washington state? ›
Average Urgent Care Cost by Location
| Metro Area | Avg Cost (Adj. for inflation 2024) | High |
|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $150 | $187 |
| San Francisco, CA | $261 | $422 |
| Seattle, WA | $197 | $330 |
| Washington, DC | $189 | $230 |
9 more rowsMay 12, 2024
Washington hospitals charge $1,841, on average, for each ER visit. Here, a COVID-19 survivor donates convalescent plasma in Seattle.
How much does a doctor's office visit cost in the US? ›
While the overall mean expense for an office-based physician visit in 2016 was $265, mean expenses per visit ranged across specialty types from $159 to $419. Median expenses per visit ($116 overall) were substantially lower and varied less dramatically by physician specialty than mean expenses.
How much does urgent care cost without insurance in PA? ›
On average, the cost of urgent care in Pennsylvania ranges from $100 to $150.
How much is an urgent care visit without insurance in Florida? ›
On average, a basic urgent care visit may range from $100 to $250. This pricing usually covers the consultation with a healthcare provider and a basic examination. However, additional fees may apply for any procedures, tests, or treatments administered during the visit.
How much is an urgent care visit without insurance in Louisiana? ›
The cost of a general visit to a UCC can vary widely. On average, basic urgent care visits can range from $100 to $500 or more. This typically includes medical evaluations and treatments for minor issues. However, your costs may increase based on your specific needs.
