Is urgent care or ER cheaper?
Asked by: Dr. Raquel Schamberger | Last update: May 30, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)
Is it cheaper to go to urgent care or ER?
On average, urgent care visits cost between $100 and $200. ER visits can cost upwards of over $1,000 a visit, with an average visit costing between $1,200 and $1,300. The cost of care shouldn't be the only consideration. Time is important, too.
How much do most ER visits cost?
Average ER visit cost
An ER visit costs $1,500 to $3,000 on average without insurance, with most people spending about $2,100 for an urgent, non-life-threatening health issue. The cost of an emergency room visit depends on the severity of the condition and the tests, treatments, and medications needed to treat it.
Does it cost extra to go to urgent care?
The average cost for an urgent care visit ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the service. You'll likely pay a copay, which can be higher than that for primary care visits but far less than emergency room costs. If you need additional services like lab tests or X-rays, those can increase the overall urgent care cost.
What is the difference between urgent care and emergency care?
Emergency Room: At the ER, the more severe the condition, the sooner the patient will see a doctor. Urgent Care: Urgent care typically works on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to the ER, where there's a wider range of specialists and treatment options. If you experience non-life-threatening symptoms like…
Emergency Room 911 or Urgent Care or Doctor Visit | Medical Advice With Doctor ER
Do urgent cares reduce ER visits?
On average, residents from each ZIP code visited the ED 161 times per hour over the course of the year. Having an urgent care center in a ZIP code reduced this number by 27.7 visits (P < 0.05), a relative decrease of 17.2%, during the hours the urgent care center was open.
Do urgent cares take insurance?
Urgent care is a great option for same-day treatment for non-emergency care. Almost all insurance plans cover most urgent care visits, however it's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider and the specific urgent care location to understand your coverage.
Is urgent care more expensive than regular?
Despite urgent care's reputation for being more expensive than primary care, the costs of these services are usually quite similar, especially for individuals with insurance.
Is urgent care more expensive at night?
While urgent care centers are more affordable than emergency care, arriving at an urgent care center during late night hours and on the weekends can make your bill increase in cost.
Where is the cheapest place to see a doctor?
Your first choice are community health centers. Sometimes called a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), these are government-run clinics that offer services on a sliding scale. Sometimes, this even means that care is at no-cost.
What happens if I go to the ER without insurance?
Despite the financial hurdles, uninsured emergency patients are provided with legal safeguards. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
Why is my ER bill so high?
Is this based on severity? Hospitals will bill you for a line item called “ER Visit Level” that is based on the complexity of your treatment. ER visit levels range from 1-5: ER visit level 1 is the most mild, while ER visit level 5 is the most severe.
How can I reduce the cost of an ER visit?
Talk to your doctor and ask for bill reduction.
For example, some doctors are part of hospital networks that offer discounts for certain payment options, such as payment by phone. Always ask your doctor about a reduction. There are usually options, but you typically have to ask to obtain them.
What to say to get seen faster in an emergency room?
Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of your symptoms.
Does insurance cover ER visits?
According to section 1371.4 of the California Health and Safety Code, coverage of ER visits can only be denied if it is shown the patient “did not require emergency services care and the enrollee reasonably should have known that an emergency did not exist.” The California rule does not rely on a fictitious “prudent ...
How much does it cost to go to urgent care?
The cost of an urgent care visit ranges from $125 to $300 without insurance. However, the exact amount you'll pay depends on the reason for your visit, type of urgent care center, and other factors.
How much is a hospital bill without insurance?
The average per-day hospital cost in the U.S. is $2,883, with California ($4,181) the most expensive, and Mississippi ($1,305) the least. The average hospital stay is 4.6 days, at an average cost of $13,262. If surgery is involved, hospital costs soar through the roof.
Can you negotiate with urgent care?
The onus is on you to make your case, present a good argument and negotiate like a pro. The payers will always want to negotiate down so make sure you ask for 10% if you need 5-6% increment in fees.
How much is the copay for urgent care?
Copays for urgent care are often higher than a visit to your primary care doctor's office but lower than an emergency room visit. For example, you might pay $30-$50 for an urgent care visit, compared to $20 for your regular doctor and $200 for the ER.
Do I have to pay upfront at urgent care?
Does urgent care bill you later? ' It depends. You can expect to pay up front for urgent care, but you may also receive a bill for services at a later date.
Is it cheaper to go to primary care or urgent care?
Urgent care centers typically charge more than a visit to your primary care physician but are still far more affordable than the emergency room. On average, an urgent care visit costs $150 to $200, while a primary care appointment is $75 to $150.
Why is urgent care so expensive?
Several factors contribute to higher costs at urgent care centers. You'll find that extended hours, immediate service, and on-site diagnostic tools drive up prices. Staff needs, like having medical professionals available without appointments, also add to the expense.
When should I go to urgent care?
- A cut that needs stitches.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Ear pain.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- An eye scratch.
- Worsening of an existing condition, such as mild to moderate asthma.
How does emergency care differ from urgently needed care?
Unless a condition is life-threatening, a trip to urgent care is generally a better use of a patient's time and resources to treat injuries, fevers, infections and other ailments. Urgent care centers often have far shorter wait times than the ER and cost less than a traditional hospital emergency room visit.