Urgent care is a healthcare service focused on providing immediate, non-life-threatening medical attention. Urgent care centers treat conditions such as sprains, cuts , burns , and common illnesses and offer a range of services, including diagnostic and preventive care like immunizations and physicals . With an estimated 15,000 clinics in the U.S., urgent care centers operate beyond traditional primary care office hours, offering a convenient and lower cost alternative to emergency rooms for urgent but minor health issues.

What is a walk-in clinic?

A walk-in clinic is a type of healthcare facility that provides medical care to patients without the need for an appointment. These clinics cover a range of services such as urgent care, occupational medicine, and primary care with walk-in availability. They cater to non-emergent health issues, offering a convenient option for accessible medical attention. Walk-in clinics vary from free services provided by government, charity, or foundation-operated facilities to private clinics with affordable rates, serving as a practical alternative for minor illnesses and injuries outside of traditional doctor's offices and emergency rooms.

Do urgent care centers in Carmel-by-the-Sea take appointments?

Historically, urgent care centers were strictly an on-demand, walk-in healthcare service. More recently, as consumer behaviors and expectations have evolved, many urgent care clinics have begun offering book ahead visits, allowing consumers to select a same-day or next-day time that works best for their schedule. Use Solv to find a Carmel-by-the-Sea urgent care center that offers advanced bookings (or appointments) and book online.

Are Carmel-by-the-Sea urgent care centers open after hours?

Yes. Most primary care doctor offices are open during routine work hours, Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Conversely, most of the urgent care centers in Carmel-by-the-Sea are available after hours, on weekends, and many holidays. Typical urgent care hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily, although location-specific hours may vary.

How much will an urgent care visit in Carmel-by-the-Sea cost?

The cost of a visit to an urgent care in Carmel-by-the-Sea varies, with cash prices for the base visit generally ranging from $100 to $175. Additional treatments, such as lab tests, X-rays, or immunizations, can increase costs, typically between $50-150 each. If you're using insurance, expect a co-pay between $20 and $50, depending on your plan and whether the clinic is in-network. Prices differ based on location, so it's best to check directly with the urgent care center and your insurance provider for accurate cost estimates.