A Quick Trip to the Store for Milk and a Throat Swab
There has been a rash of such urgent visit clinics opening across the country. Looks like large retailers like Walgreens and Target have also begun to capitalize on offering affordable time-efficient healthcare.
Do yourself a favor and only go to these clinics for minor semi-emergent issues:
- ear infections
- urinary tract infections
- sore throat and fever
These clinics are designed to be low-end and do not manage:
- fractures requiring Xrays
- chronic conditions like diabetes or lung diseases
So these clinics may be cheaper and less time-consuming than ER visits. Almost a boutique practice with a nurse practitioner instead of an expensive physician who would otherwise provide wrap-around care including mental health, preventive immunizations. They are also far more affordable -- IF you do NOT have health insurance.
Health insurance from the employer cuts down costs tremendously -- you are only responsible for a minimal copay of $10-$40 for the visit if you decide on an MD within your plan.
