Is Urgent Care Covered by Insurance?
Illnesses and injuries often strike out of the blue. Therefore, if you have health insurance, it’s a good idea to take a moment to understand your coverage before you need to use it. Each insurance provider determines which services it will cover. However, most medical plans cover urgent care. Usually, patients are expected to meet a deductible and pay a co-payment for covered urgent care services.
At South Tampa Immediate Care, we’re pleased to accept most major health insurance plans that offer urgent care coverage to individuals and families in the Tampa, Florida, area. For your peace of mind, we suggest that you consult your plan documents or website to verify your eligibility and coverage before you visit our urgent care center.
Is an Urgent Care Center More Affordable Than an Emergency Room?
Overall, insurance co-payments for urgent care visits are much lower than those for emergency room visits. In fact, using an ER in a non-life-threatening situation is expensive—according to a recent study, it can be up to 10 times higher in cost than the same services provided by an urgent care center. What’s more, research shows that treating non-emergency illnesses and injuries in an ER increases the cost of health care not only for patients but also for the entire U.S. health care system.
Finally, there are other costs to consider in terms of your time, which is valuable. Some people incorrectly believe that ERs operate on a “first-come, first-served” basis. However, ERs must use a triage system to determine who needs to be seen first. In other words, ERs see patients based on the severity of their condition, not the order they check in. So, if you show up at an ER with a minor illness or injury, you will likely be in for a long wait.
Save Money & Time With Us
If you need urgent care for a non-emergency health issue, South Tampa Immediate Care is an excellent option that can save you both money and time. Before you head to our urgent care center in Tampa, FL, we suggest that print a copy of your insurance benefits and bring it with you, along with a photo ID and a form of payment to cover your co-payment. Also, if we do not accept your health insurance plan, we will file a claim on your behalf and you will be reimbursed according to your plan contract.
