Is CVS Minute Clinic the Same as Urgent Care? A Comprehensive...
If you’re looking for an affordable and accessible way to see a medical provider, you may be wondering about...
Read moreHelp patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!
39 instant-book locations
Help patients book appointments with you on Solv. It's free!
No paperwork for breezy booking, with texts to keep you up-to-date.
Snap a photo of your insurance card to see your benefits ahead of time.
Great healthcare professionals who treat you like a neighbor (because they are).
Urgent care centers are designed to provide immediate, non-life-threatening healthcare services. These facilities are ideal for treating minor injuries and illnesses that require prompt attention but are not severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. Examples may include minor fractures, sprains, burns, cuts requiring stitches, ear infections, urinary tract infections, or sudden flu-like symptoms. Urgent care centers are also a good option for routine healthcare needs such as physical exams, vaccinations, or lab work when your primary care provider is not available.
The decision to choose urgent care or an emergency room often depends on the severity of your health condition. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening conditions and serious injuries, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke. On the other hand, urgent care centers are designed for less severe conditions that still require immediate attention. Another key difference lies in wait times and cost. Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times and lower costs compared to emergency rooms.
While both urgent care centers and primary care providers play crucial roles in maintaining health, they serve different purposes. Your primary care provider is your go-to for routine check-ups, preventive care, and managing chronic conditions. They know your health history and work with you to create a long-term health plan. Urgent care centers, however, are designed to provide immediate care for non-life-threatening situations when your primary care provider is not available, such as after hours, on weekends, or during holidays. It's important to note that urgent care is not a substitute for primary care, but rather a convenient supplement when timely care is needed.
Retail clinics, often found in pharmacies or supermarkets, are another convenient healthcare option. They are typically staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants and are equipped to handle minor illnesses and preventive services like vaccinations. However, urgent care centers offer a broader range of services, including X-rays and lab tests, and can treat more serious conditions like fractures or burns. While both options offer extended hours beyond typical office hours, urgent care centers generally have more comprehensive capabilities and can offer a higher level of care.
Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, boasts a robust network of urgent care centers, offering residents and visitors alike a variety of options for immediate, non-emergency medical needs.
Whether you're in the heart of the city or in the outlying neighborhoods, you'll find a multitude of urgent care centers in Albuquerque. Let's explore some of the key areas.
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Albuquerque offers a range of urgent care centers. These facilities provide quick, convenient healthcare services, ideal for those who live or work in the city center.
The North Valley area, known for its rural-suburban feel, also hosts several urgent care centers. These centers offer a blend of quality healthcare and convenience for residents in this part of the city.
In the South Valley, urgent care centers are easily accessible and ready to provide immediate care for various medical conditions. These centers are equipped to serve the diverse community of South Valley.
Choosing the right urgent care clinic depends on several factors. Consider the clinic's hours of operation, the services offered, and the qualifications of the healthcare professionals. Patient reviews and ratings are also a valuable resource. Additionally, check if the clinic accepts your insurance and if it offers the convenience of same-day or next-day appointments.
Many urgent care centers in Albuquerque offer the option to book same-day or next-day appointments. This feature can be especially beneficial when dealing with unexpected health issues that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening. Remember to check the clinic's website or contact them directly to confirm their booking procedures.
Solv is your trusted partner in navigating Albuquerque's urgent care scene. With Solv, you can easily find local urgent care centers, read reviews, and book same-day or next-day appointments. Solv simplifies the process, making it easier for you to get the care you need when you need it.
When you need immediate medical attention, an urgent care center in Albuquerque can provide the necessary care. From preparing for your visit to understanding the costs, here's what you can expect when you choose urgent care.
Before you head to the urgent care center, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth visit. Firstly, bring your identification, insurance card, and a method of payment. If you have a list of medications you're currently taking, or any known allergies, bring this information as well. If you've booked your appointment through Solv, ensure you've filled out any necessary paperwork online to expedite the process. Remember, urgent care centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's advisable to book in advance where possible.
During your visit, you will be attended to by qualified healthcare professionals who will assess your condition. You may undergo tests or procedures like x-rays or lab tests, depending on your symptoms. The healthcare team will then diagnose and treat your condition. If necessary, they may also refer you to a specialist or advise you to visit an emergency room.
After your visit, you may need to take prescribed medications or follow specific care instructions. The clinic will provide these details and may schedule a follow-up visit if necessary. If you have any questions or concerns after your visit, don't hesitate to contact the clinic. They can provide additional information or clarification to ensure you're on the path to recovery.
Urgent care visits are typically more affordable than emergency room visits. The average out-of-pocket cost for basic care at an urgent care center ranges from $71 to $125. This can increase if additional services like shots, x-rays, or lab tests are required. In comparison, a similar visit to an emergency room can average around $1,318. Most urgent care centers accept insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to check with the clinic and your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Albuquerque, NM is home to several highly-rated NextCare Urgent Care centers, each offering a unique blend of quality care and convenience. These centers are distributed across the city, ensuring that no matter where you are in Albuquerque, you have access to top-notch urgent care services.
Located at 5504 Menaul Blvd NE, this NextCare Urgent Care center boasts a 4.55 rating from 7519 reviews. This location is centrally located, making it an ideal choice for those in the heart of Albuquerque. Reviews highlight the center's professional staff, efficient service, and clean facilities.
The NextCare Urgent Care center at 9551 Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE also comes highly recommended, with a 4.52 rating from 3468 reviews. This location serves the northern area of Albuquerque. Patients praise the center for its friendly staff, short wait times, and high-quality medical care.
With a stellar 4.7 rating from 6470 reviews, the NextCare Urgent Care center at 8201 Golf Course Rd NW is another excellent choice. Situated in the western part of Albuquerque, this center is praised for its knowledgeable medical team, quick service, and comfortable environment.
The NextCare Urgent Care center at 1800 Unser Blvd NW has a 4.54 rating from 4334 reviews. This location serves the northwest Albuquerque area. Reviews highlight the center's caring staff, well-organized operations, and comprehensive care.
Just outside of Albuquerque, the NextCare Urgent Care center at 1630 Rio Rancho Blvd SE in Rio Rancho, NM holds a 4.53 rating from 7192 reviews. This location is ideal for those in the Rio Rancho area or the west side of Albuquerque. Patients commend this center for its attentive staff, prompt service, and modern facilities.
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.
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.
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 Albuquerque urgent care center that offers advanced bookings (or appointments) and book online.
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 Albuquerque 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.
The cost of a visit to an urgent care in Albuquerque 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.
Annual Wellness Exam in Albuquerque
Chickenpox Vaccine in Albuquerque
DOT Exam in Albuquerque
Ear Wax Removal in Albuquerque
Eye Exam in Albuquerque
Flu Shot in Albuquerque
Hepatitis Vaccine in Albuquerque
Measles Vaccine (MMR) in Albuquerque
Pap Smear in Albuquerque
Physical Exam in Albuquerque
Shingles Vaccine in Albuquerque
Sinus Infection Treatment in Albuquerque
Sports Physicals in Albuquerque
Tetanus Shot in Albuquerque
Typhoid Vaccine in Albuquerque
Well-Woman Exam in Albuquerque
Yellow Fever Vaccine in Albuquerque
A1C Test in Albuquerque
Allergy Testing in Albuquerque
Blood Test in Albuquerque
CMP Test in Albuquerque
COVID-19 Antibody Test in Albuquerque
Chlamydia Test in Albuquerque
Cholesterol Test in Albuquerque
Food Allergy Testing in Albuquerque
Glucose Test in Albuquerque
Hepatitis test in Albuquerque
Mono Test in Albuquerque
RSV Test in Albuquerque
STD Testing in Albuquerque
Strep Test in Albuquerque
TB Test in Albuquerque
Trichomonas Test in Albuquerque
Urinalysis in Albuquerque
Vitamin D Test in Albuquerque
Tips, advice, news—your resource to stay healthy and safe while improving your experience with healthcare providers when you need them.