When you have a medical need that feels urgent, but not severe enough to go to the Emergency Room (ER), where do you go? Depending on where you’re located and what time it is, you could have multiple choices, including your primary care provider, an urgent care center, or a walk-in clinic.
Or, if you’re in one of the 60 communities Access Medical Clinic (AMC) serves, you can visit an AMC location for any primary, walk-in, or urgent care services you need.
If you’re curious what sets walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, and primary care apart from one another, this blog post outlines their capabilities and when it might be the best time to visit one.
What is a walk-in clinic?
A walk-in clinic is a medical facility that accepts patients on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary. They are often fairly accessible and inexpensive. Walk-in clinics also include “retail clinics,” which are located in retail stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. They typically operate during normal business hours and into the evening, as well as on weekends.
Walk-in clinics are usually staffed by nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. While these medical professionals are not doctors, they do provide a wide-range of important care services. Walk-in clinics offer treatment for minor illnesses, vaccinations, screenings, and check-ups.
What is an urgent care center?
Urgent care centers are also medical facilities that accept walk-in patients without appointments, but they treat more urgent medical concerns, including sprains, ear infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), rashes, minor injuries, and abdominal pain. Urgent care centers are often open for extended hours during the day and on weekends. Some are even open 24/7.
Urgent care centers are staffed by physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to provide care at different levels depending on your needs. Urgent care centers also have more robust on-site capabilities than walk-in clinics, including the ability to conduct lab work and provide wound care.
Where does primary care fit in?
Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics supplement, but do not replace, a primary care physician. Visiting your primary care doctor annually enables proactive and preventive health care management, early disease detection, and mental health check-ins. Healthcare professionals at urgent care centers often recommend following up with your primary care provider to ensure your symptoms are improving or to address any ongoing concerns.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Go to an emergency room for any life-threatening conditions requiring emergency care, including chest pain, heart attack, severe injuries, major broken bones, serious head injuries, and difficulty breathing.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
When should I choose Access Medical Clinic for my healthcare needs?
AMC offers walk-in care, primary care, and urgent care services, so you can choose our locations for most of your medical needs. At AMC clinics, patients have access to our dedicated team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and other caregivers who provide trusted care to every member of your family.
What walk-in care does AMC provide?
Walk-in care is best for “low-acuity” medical needs: non-urgent, stable, with a low probability of complications. Examples include vaccinations; screenings, such as for blood pressure or occupational health; mild cold symptoms; and general wellness check-ups.
What urgent care services does AMC provide?
Urgent care services are for non-life-threatening conditions needing same-day attention, such as a sore throat, strep throat, ear infections, pink eye, sprains, minor broken bones (toes or fingers), minor head injuries, urinary tract infections, flu symptoms, rashes, and minor cuts.
At all AMC locations, you can receive:
AMC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most private commercial insurance plans, cash, check, and debit/credit cards, and provides transparent copays. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; a discounted/sliding-fee schedule is available based on family size and income.
In need of healthcare services? Walk into an AMC clinic or make a same-day appointment now. Our experts can provide immediate next steps for your healthcare needs or help you navigate the referral process if more specialized care is needed.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between urgent care and a walk-in clinic?
Urgent care centers can treat major, but not life-threatening, medical concerns. Walk-in clinics are for minor or routine health concerns. AMC is appropriate for both urgent and walk-in needs.
Is urgent care more expensive?
Urgent care can be less expensive than an emergency visit. To best serve our patients, Access Medical Clinic accepts most major insurance policies, Medicare, and Medicaid, and offers a competitive self-pay option.
Can I go without an appointment?
Yes, AMC does not require appointments.
Is urgent care open on weekends and holidays?
AMC clinic hours vary by location. Find your nearest location here.
When should I go to the ER instead?
Go to the ER or call 911 for any life-threatening conditions, such as chest pain, heart attack, severe injuries, major broken bones, serious head injuries, and difficulty breathing.
What time does the walk-in clinic open?
Most AMC locations are open during normal business hours. Find the Access Medical Clinic nearest to you for exact hours.
