Should you go to an urgent care, retail clinic or emergency room?

When a loved one is sick or injured, you probably will not be able to see your primary care physician in a pinch. Your options are down to an urgent care, retail clinic at a local pharmacy or the ER.

How should you decide?

First of all, the ER will have the most resources and expertise to address complex problems. As a rule of thumb, if you have severe chest or abdominal pain, slurred speech or serious breathing problems, you should go to the emergency room (and call 911). Otherwise, for all other complaints, you may be paying at minimum 4-8 times more than you would otherwise at a retail or urgent care clinic (UCC).

So, why go to an UCC? Most urgent cares can treat pink eye, allergies, UTI, mild asthma and upper respiratory illnesses, as well as provide point of care testing for flu and strep throat. In contrast to retail clinics, some urgent care centers offer on-site blood tests, x-rays, splinting for a broken bone, antibiotic injections, and even rehydration through an IV.

For example, a visit for an ear infection or urinary tract infection costs less than $100 at an UCC but will incur more than $300-400 at a local ER. Similarly, a visit for an injured hand from a fall costs less than $175 at an urgent care, including x-rays, but may cost over $1,000 at an ER. By the way, there are no x-rays at a retail clinic.

Monroe Urgent Care is a full service walk-in ambulatory clinic that can do more than you think. No appointments are necessary. We accept most insurances, as well as offer an affordable self-pay option. We also point of care rapid influenza and COVID antigen tests.

Please call 513-461-2273 if you have any questions or concerns.