Book an urgent care near me in Philadelphia, PA

What is urgent care?

Urgent care is a category of walk-in care in a dedicated medical facility outside of a traditional emergency room. Urgent care centers primarily treat injuries or illnesses requiring immediate care but not severe enough to require an ER visit. These centers are equipped to handle non-life-threatening situations and are more convenient and generally cheaper than a visit to the hospital emergency room.

Common services and reasons for visit

Urgent care centers offer a wide range of services for various health issues. These include but are not limited to:

• Minor fractures, sprains, strains, and injuries
• Minor burns and lacerations
• Acute pain or discomfort
• Respiratory infections, including colds and flu
• Ear and eye infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Dehydration requiring intravenous fluids
• Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests

Urgent care centers are designed to provide immediate, convenient care for sudden or unexpected health concerns that are not life-threatening but still require prompt attention.

Types of healthcare providers

Urgent care centers are staffed by a diverse team of healthcare providers, each with their unique roles and expertise.

• Physicians: These are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DOs) who have completed medical school and residency training. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions and oversee the overall care of patients.
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs are registered nurses with advanced training and education, often a master's or doctoral degree. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and may serve as a patient's regular healthcare provider.
• Physician Assistants (PAs): PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. They practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers.
• Registered Nurses (RNs): RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
• Medical Assistants (MAs): MAs perform routine clinical and administrative tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly.

Each of these healthcare providers plays a crucial role in ensuring patients receive comprehensive, immediate care during their urgent care visit.

When to go to an urgent care

Urgent care centers are designed to provide immediate, non-life-threatening healthcare services. They are the go-to solution for minor injuries and illnesses that require prompt attention but aren't severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. Examples of conditions that can be treated at an urgent care center include minor fractures, sprains, burns, cuts requiring stitches, severe cold or flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, and allergic reactions. Urgent care centers are also ideal for when you need medical attention outside of your primary care physician's regular office hours.

Urgent care vs emergency room (ER)

While both urgent care centers and emergency rooms provide immediate care, they serve different purposes. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle non-life-threatening situations, whereas emergency rooms are designed to treat severe, life-threatening conditions. Examples of situations that require an ER visit include chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe burns or injuries, sudden paralysis, and severe abdominal pain. In general, if the condition can put a patient's life at risk, it's an emergency. Additionally, ERs are open 24/7, while urgent care centers usually have set hours.

Urgent care vs primary care

Primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most healthcare needs. They provide preventive care, treat common illnesses, and manage chronic conditions. However, they usually work on an appointment basis and may not be available for immediate care outside of regular office hours. Urgent care centers, on the other hand, are designed to provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions without the need for an appointment. They are a convenient alternative when you can't wait for an appointment with your primary care physician but don't need the extensive resources of an emergency room.

Urgent care vs retail clinic

Retail clinics, often found in pharmacies or supermarkets, offer basic healthcare services for common illnesses like colds, flu, and minor skin conditions. They are typically staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Urgent care centers offer a broader range of services than retail clinics, including treatment for more serious conditions like minor fractures, burns, and cuts requiring stitches. They also offer diagnostic services like X-rays and lab tests. While both provide walk-in services, urgent care centers have more extensive hours and can handle a wider range of health issues.

Urgent Care Centers in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA, is a city that offers a wide range of urgent care centers, providing residents with immediate, quality healthcare access.

Finding Nearby Urgent Care

With numerous urgent care centers dispersed throughout the city, residents of Philadelphia have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're located in the heart of the city or in the outskirts, there's likely an urgent care center near you.

Urgent Care in Center City

Center City residents have access to a variety of urgent care centers, many of which offer extended hours to accommodate busy schedules.

Urgent Care in Northeast Philadelphia

For those residing in Northeast Philadelphia, there are several urgent care centers providing comprehensive medical services for non-life-threatening conditions.

Urgent Care in West Philadelphia

In West Philadelphia, residents can find urgent care centers equipped with modern facilities and experienced medical staff ready to provide immediate care.

Selecting a Clinic

When choosing an urgent care clinic, consider factors such as the clinic's hours of operation, the qualifications of the medical staff, the services offered, and the clinic's reputation. Reading reviews from other patients can also provide valuable insights. Additionally, consider whether the clinic accepts your insurance and if they offer the convenience of online booking.

Booking Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments

Many urgent care centers in Philadelphia offer the convenience of same-day and next-day appointments. This allows you to receive prompt medical attention without having to wait for an available slot. Booking can often be done online, making the process even more convenient.

Discovering Philadelphia's Urgent Care with Solv

Solv is your reliable partner in navigating Philadelphia's urgent care landscape. With Solv, you can find detailed information about local urgent care centers, including ratings and reviews, hours of operation, and the services they offer. Solv allows you to book same-day and next-day appointments directly with the clinic, simplifying the process and saving you time. Trust Solv to help you find the right urgent care center for your needs in Philadelphia.

What to Expect with Your Visit

When you need immediate healthcare, Solv connects you with trusted urgent care centers in Philadelphia. Our aim is to ensure that your visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here's what you can expect during your visit, from preparation to follow-up care.

Preparing for Your Visit

Before you head to the clinic, there are a few things you can do to ensure a successful urgent care visit. First, make sure you have your ID, insurance card, and a form of payment on hand. If you have any existing medical records or a list of medications you're currently taking, bring those along as well. It's also a good idea to jot down any symptoms or questions you have for the doctor. Remember, the more information you provide, the better the healthcare providers can assist you.

During Your Visit

Upon arrival at the clinic, you'll check in at the front desk and provide your ID and insurance information. You may have to fill out some paperwork about your medical history and current symptoms. After that, you'll wait to be seen by a healthcare provider.

Consultation

During the consultation, the healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They may conduct a physical examination or order diagnostic tests like X-rays or lab work. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. Your healthcare provider is there to help you.

Treatment

Once your healthcare provider has identified the issue, they will discuss treatment options with you. This could range from prescription medication to minor procedures that can be performed in the clinic. They will also provide instructions for at-home care if necessary.

Follow-up Care and Communication

After your visit, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment, especially if you've been prescribed medication or need to monitor your symptoms. Some clinics may call or email you to check on your progress. Always feel free to reach out to the clinic if you have any questions or concerns after your visit.

Cost and Insurance Details

Urgent care visits are a cost-effective alternative to emergency room visits. The average out-of-pocket cost for an urgent care visit ranges from $71 to $125 for basic care, with additional costs for services like shots, X-rays, and labs. This is significantly less than a comparable emergency room visit, which averages around $1,318. Most urgent care centers accept insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, making them a convenient and affordable option for immediate healthcare needs.

Best Urgent Care in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia and its surrounding areas are home to several top-rated urgent care clinics, each offering quality healthcare services. These clinics stand out due to their high ratings, positive patient feedback, and convenient locations.

AFC Urgent Care, Philadelphia, PA

Located at 5708 Ridge Ave, AFC Urgent Care in Philadelphia has a 4.67 rating based on 6 reviews. Patients commend the clinic for its efficient service and knowledgeable staff. This clinic is a great option for those residing in the heart of Philadelphia.

Live Urgent Care, Bellmawr, NJ

Live Urgent Care in Bellmawr, NJ, is another highly-rated clinic with a 4.85 rating from an impressive 2870 reviews. Situated at 363 W Browning Rd, it's a short drive from Philadelphia, making it a convenient choice for those in the broader metropolitan area. Patients frequently praise the clinic's professional staff and quick service.

PM Pediatric Urgent Care, Cherry Hill, NJ

PM Pediatric Urgent Care in Cherry Hill, NJ, also boasts a high rating of 4.82 from 1329 reviews. Located at 828 Haddonfield Rd, it's an excellent choice for those near the Cherry Hill area. The clinic is known for its child-friendly environment and highly skilled pediatric professionals.

AFC Urgent Care, Wyncote, PA

AFC Urgent Care in Wyncote, PA, holds a perfect 5.0 rating, although it's based on just one review. It's located at 2401 W Cheltenham Ave and is a good option for those living in the Wyncote area. The clinic prides itself on its efficient service and friendly staff.

PM Pediatric Urgent Care, Springfield, PA

Lastly, PM Pediatric Urgent Care in Springfield, PA, has a 4.67 rating from 931 reviews. Located at 527 Baltimore Pike, it's a convenient choice for residents of Springfield and nearby areas. The clinic is lauded for its dedicated pediatric services and patient-centered approach.

These clinics represent some of the best urgent care options in and around Philadelphia, offering quality healthcare services with a focus on patient satisfaction. Regardless of your location, there's a top-rated clinic nearby to meet your urgent care needs.