

These facilities will usually request your primary care physician’s information so that they can refer you to them for any follow-up needs and forward any treatment information to them as a reference.ĭifferences Between a Walk-In Clinic and Emergency Room Many other minor injuries, such as determining if you have a sprain or a fracture, can also be addressed at a walk-in clinic. Regular physician services, such as diagnosing common colds, moderate cuts, aches and pains, as well as fevers or rashes, can all be done at a walk-in clinic. Most clinics provide care later than a traditional doctor’s office, including late nights and weekend hours. While a walk-in clinic, which may also be called an urgent care center, should not be used in place of establishing continuity of care with a primary care physician, it can help you get the care you need quickly in case your usual doctor is not available. Now, walk-in clinics serve a variety of patients, both those who have insurance coverage and those who don’t.

In the past, walk-in clinics were the first stop for people in need of care who did not have insurance and did not want to go to a hospital emergency room for help. Understanding When to Choose Walk-In Clinics Medicare recipients may find they need the care provided by a walk-in clinic, so understanding their options when it comes to coverage can help them avoid excessive out-of-pocket expenses. Walk-in clinics serve an important role in the health care world by providing services without the need for an appointment.
