Is Urgent Care More Expensive than Primary Care?

Simply put, you should go to the doctor or urgent care when you have a non-life-threatening medical issue that does not require immediate care in an acute setting (such as a heart attack or stroke). Urgent care clinics like ours at Physicians Now Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic are there to provide comprehensive, efficient care for a variety of issues, including:

• Strep throat, tonsillitis, or related injuries
• COVID-19 testing, as well as antibody testing
• Care for minor to moderate injuries, including sports-related related
• Physicals (including those necessary for work or school, and related to sports)
• Care for hypertension and diabetes (type 1 and 2)
• Flu shots and tests
• Asthma care
• Immunizations and vaccinations (including those required by school or work)
• STD testing
• Travel medicine service

We can provide services for you and your whole family. If you’re not sure what you need or want to know how we can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Urgent care is typically more expensive than primary care due to the range of services it offers and the immediacy of care. While primary care focuses on long-term health management, routine check-ups, and preventive care, urgent care centers provide prompt treatment for non-emergency medical conditions. These centers often offer services such as lab tests, X-rays, and more advanced diagnostic tools, which contribute to higher costs.

Primary care visits, on the other hand, are generally more affordable as they are focused on regular, ongoing health maintenance. Primary care services typically range from $100 to $150 per visit, depending on the provider and location. These visits are usually geared toward wellness exams, chronic disease management, and preventive care, often covered by insurance plans with lower co-pays.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, and his team offer affordable urgent care services, providing fast and effective treatment for a variety of conditions without the higher costs of emergency room visits. Whether you’re seeking immediate care for a non-life-threatening illness or injury, you can rely on the professional care offered at Physicians Now.

Usually, at most urgent care centers, you do not need an appointment. Normally, at Physicians Now Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic, we would be able to provide walk-in services or have you come into the office after a short phone consultation. However, given the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have shifted to a telemedicine and telehealth visit structure in order to protect you and the other patients we serve. It’s important to clarify that we are still offering in-person and in-office care. It’s just that we will first need to connect over the phone to determine the services and course of action you need, rather than have you come right into the office or wait in our waiting area.

The main way that COVID-19 is spread is by prolonged time spent in indoor environments, so we are doing our best to avoid having many people in the office or waiting area at once, which is why we are using the phone structure. If you would like an appointment or are feeling ill and need our services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will set you up with a telehealth appointment with one of our team members, and depending on your situation and what you need, we will schedule you for a visit or proceed with the services that are the best fit.

When deciding whether to go to the ER or a walk-in clinic, it’s important to consider the severity of your condition. The emergency room (ER) is designed for life-threatening or severe medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or difficulty breathing. If your condition poses an immediate risk to your health or life, the ER is the best option for immediate, critical care. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle a wide variety of urgent conditions, including surgeries and advanced treatments.

On the other hand, a walk-in clinic is ideal for non-emergency situations that require prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening. Walk-in clinics handle minor illnesses like colds, flu, or infections, as well as minor injuries like sprains or cuts that don’t require emergency treatment. These clinics are designed for situations where you need care quickly but don’t need the extensive resources of an ER. Walk-in clinics are typically more affordable, with shorter wait times compared to ER visits.

If you’re unsure whether your condition requires ER care or if a walk-in clinic will suffice, you can visit a nearby walk-in clinic like Physicians Now Urgent Care. Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, and his team provide quick, professional care for minor injuries and illnesses, offering an affordable and efficient alternative to the ER for non-life-threatening conditions.

Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, ensures that urgent care at Physicians Now Urgent Care remains affordable while providing high-quality, professional treatment for a wide range of non-emergency medical conditions. With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Olisemeka has built a practice that balances the convenience and fast care of urgent care with cost-effective pricing. His team is dedicated to providing quick, efficient care for everything from minor injuries to illnesses, without the high costs associated with emergency room visits.

Unlike traditional primary care visits, which often focus on long-term health management and routine check-ups, urgent care can be more expensive due to the need for more immediate and specialized services, such as lab tests and X-rays. However, Dr. Olisemeka’s approach at Physicians Now ensures that patients get the care they need without the added financial burden. By providing accessible, transparent pricing and offering a wide range of urgent care services, Dr. Olisemeka helps make healthcare more affordable for the community.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.