average cost of er visit vs urgent care

Urgent care vs. emergency room visit cost

$150 – $250 average urgent care visit cost (without insurance), $1,500 – $3,000 average er visit cost (without insurance).

Emergency room vs. urgent care cost

The average urgent care visit costs $150 to $250 without insurance, while an emergency room visit costs $1,500 to $3,000 for the same service. While you should go to the ER for serious health concerns, visiting an urgent care center is the best choice for most non-life-threatening health issues.

What's the difference between urgent care and the emergency room?

Urgent care centers are meant for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening. These same-day clinics also provide other healthcare services, like routine physicals, imaging, and lab tests.

The emergency room is intended for critical, life-threatening situations that need immediate attention, such as a major injury, heart attack, stroke, or uncontrollable bleeding.

Cost comparison for common conditions

Many people go to the ER for health concerns that could be handled at an urgent care center for much cheaper. The cost of an urgent care visit is typically much less than the cost of an emergency room visit to treat the same ailment.

The table below shows the average costs for common conditions treated at an urgent care center or the ER.

If you have health insurance, your urgent care visit copay may be higher than your copay to see a primary care doctor but will likely be less than the out-of-pocket cost for an ER visit.

When to go to urgent care vs. the emergency room

Research shows 30% to 50%+ of emergency room patients could have been treated at an urgent care facility, often at a much lower cost. With healthcare prices constantly increasing, consider your options to make the best decision for your situation.

Call 9-1-1 or go to the ER for any serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as:

Fever that does not resolve with over-the-counter medicine

Major broken bones

Trouble breathing

Serious head injury

Severe allergic reaction

Severe burn

Signs of a heart attack or stroke

Sudden severe pain

Sudden change in vision

Sudden confusion

Suddenly feeling weak or unable to move, speak, or walk

Uncontrollable bleeding

Consider an urgent care facility if you are experiencing a non-critical health issue and your primary doctor's office is closed or cannot fit you into the schedule. Urgent care centers can handle most non-emergency healthcare services, including:

Treatment for minor illnesses and injuries

Physicals needed for sports, school, or employment

Diagnostic lab testing

Medications

Medical equipment

Tips to save on urgent care and ER costs

No matter where you get treated, healthcare bills can add up quickly, even if you have insurance. Here are some guidelines to ensure you don't overpay for your care:

Assess your situation before heading straight to the ER. If your health issue is not life threatening, consider going to an urgent care center instead as the cost for the same services can be much lower.

If you do need emergency care, go to a hospital-based ER when possible. Freestanding ER centers typically cost more than hospital-based emergency rooms.

Call ahead to confirm the current wait time, costs, and payment options. Many urgent care centers require payment at the time of service.

Consider asking the following questions up front to prevent surprises in your bill:

Do you have discounted pricing for uninsured patients?

Do you work with any charitable organizations that could help with my costs?

Will this cost less if I pay with cash?

What will the cost be for my specific issue?

Do you think I will need lab tests or scans, and what will they cost?

How much do you charge for X-rays and imaging?

If I need medication, how much will it cost?

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

Understanding the Costs: Primary Care vs Urgent Care vs Emergency Room

In 2023, understanding the cost implications of healthcare services is more critical than ever. This article provides a comparative analysis of the cost of primary care, urgent care, and emergency room visits in 2023, shedding light on the factors influencing these costs, the impact of medical insurance, and how location and health condition severity can affect your total expenses.

Cost of Primary Care Visits in 2023 

Primary care plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and preventing major ailments. Understanding the cost of primary care visits is essential, as it serves as the foundation of your healthcare journey. Factors affecting the cost of primary care visits include the type of primary care provider (primary care doctor or nurse practitioner), your medical history, and the region you live in. Medical insurance can significantly reduce primary care costs, with Medicaid being a crucial resource for those who qualify.

Urgent Care vs Emergency Room

Cost and considerations .

When facing a medical issue that requires prompt attention but isn't life-threatening, urgent care can be a cost-effective alternative to the emergency room. Urgent care centers are open during non-business hours, offering convenience and affordability. We'll delve into a detailed comparison of the cost of urgent care visits versus emergency room visits, helping you make informed decisions about where to seek care based on your specific situation.

Factors Influencing Urgent Care Costs

The cost of urgent care visits can vary based on several factors. Location plays a significant role, as healthcare expenses can differ substantially from one region to another. The type of treatment you require and your insurance coverage will also impact the final cost. Additionally, we'll explore the cost implications when an urgent care facility is closed and how this can affect your decision-making process.

Cost Analysis of ER Room Visits in 2023

Emergency room visits are often associated with high costs due to the specialized care provided. We'll conduct an in-depth analysis of emergency room costs, considering factors such as location, the severity of illness or injury, and any procedures performed during your visit. Furthermore, we'll address the impact of wait times and overcrowding in emergency rooms on your overall healthcare expenses.

Comparative Cost Analysis

Primary care, urgent care, and emergency clinics .

To provide a comprehensive overview, we'll conduct a detailed comparative cost analysis of primary care, urgent care, and emergency clinic visits. We'll emphasize the influence of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses on the total cost of these services. Additionally, we'll explore how your choice of facility type, such as regular primary care vs emergency clinics, can affect your overall healthcare expenses.

While the timing of a visit to the emergency room (ER) can vary depending on your condition, it's important to know that ERs are open 24/7 to provide care whenever you need it. The decision to go to the ER in the morning or at night should be based on the urgency and severity of your medical condition. If you have a life-threatening or severe medical issue, it's crucial to go to the ER immediately, regardless of the time of day.

In an emergency room, a series of steps typically occur:

• Triage: Upon arrival, a nurse or healthcare professional assesses the severity of your condition. Patients with the most critical conditions are prioritized for immediate care.
• Evaluation: A doctor or medical team evaluates your symptoms, performs necessary tests, and makes a diagnosis.
• Treatment: You receive appropriate treatment, which may include medications, procedures, or surgery, depending on your condition.
• Monitoring: After treatment, you may be monitored to ensure your condition stabilizes.
• Discharge or admission: Depending on your diagnosis and treatment, you may be discharged home with instructions, or you may be admitted to the hospital for further care.

Emergency medicine refers to the specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute, life-threatening medical conditions. On the other hand, the emergency department (ED) is the physical location within a hospital where patients receive emergency medical care.

Active-duty military personnel have access to military healthcare facilities, but in some situations, they may seek care at civilian urgent care centers when military facilities are not readily available or for certain non-emergency conditions. It's important for active-duty military members to follow their specific healthcare guidelines and consult with their military healthcare providers when considering urgent care visits.

Patients seen in an emergency room can have a wide range of medical conditions, from severe injuries, heart attacks, and strokes to respiratory distress, abdominal pain, and various medical emergencies. ERs are equipped to handle life-threatening and critical conditions, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of patients in need of immediate medical attention.

The most common urgent care visits include minor injuries such as sprains, strains, and minor fractures, as well as non-life-threatening illnesses like colds, flu, sinus infections, and urinary tract infections. Urgent care centers are designed to provide prompt medical care for conditions that require immediate attention but are not severe enough to warrant an emergency room visit.

Patients are classified as urgent in the context of healthcare when they require prompt medical attention for a condition that is not immediately life-threatening but should be addressed within a relatively short timeframe to prevent complications or worsening of the condition. Urgent care centers are well-suited for such patients.

In non-life-threatening situations, it's generally advisable to call the ER first to discuss your symptoms and get guidance on whether you should go to the ER or seek care at an urgent care center. Calling ahead can help ensure that you receive appropriate care and minimize unnecessary ER visits for non-emergency issues.

If you feel weak, it's important to assess the severity of your weakness and any associated symptoms. If your weakness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion, it may be best to go to the emergency room for evaluation. However, if your weakness is mild and not associated with severe symptoms, you may consider seeking care at an urgent care center, especially if it's during regular hours and your primary care provider is not available. Urgent care centers can assess and treat a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, including weakness, in a timely manner.

Navigating the healthcare landscape in 2023 requires a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with primary care, urgent care, and emergency room visits. By considering factors such as insurance coverage, location, and the severity of your condition, you can make informed decisions about where to seek care while managing your healthcare expenses effectively.

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When Should You Go To Urgent Care Vs. The Emergency Room (ER)?

Emergency vs Urgent Care: A Comprehensive Comparison for Patients

Where to Go for Care: Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care

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Urgent Care Visit Cost: Insurance vs. No Insurance

Due to lower costs and convenience, urgent care centers and stand-alone health clinics are becoming more popular. As of 2019, across the United States, there were around 9,616 urgent care centers . But what do they treat at an urgent care clinic ? How much does it cost compared to going to the ER? What if you don’t have insurance? We’ll cover these questions and more, plus offer cost-saving advice.

What is Urgent Care?

Healthcare .gov defines urgent care as “Care for an illness, injury or condition serious enough that a reasonable person would seek care right away, but not so severe it requires emergency room care.”

In other words, it’s the middle ground between assessing bug bites and performing surgery. Urgent care centers provide relief without the wait or expense of going to your hospital’s emergency department. 

Urgent Care Visit vs. Emergency Room Visit

Hospital emergency rooms are usually busier and always more expensive than urgent care centers . The cost of an ER visit varies, but the average cost is around $1,200. So when you can’t see your primary care physician or normal health care provider , a trip to urgent care is usually the most cost-friendly move.

Typical urgent care services include minor medical treatments that you can get at the doctor’s office such as:

• Urinary tract infections
• Upper respiratory infections
• Sore throat  
• Strep throat
• STD treatment and diagnosis

When should you go to the ER ? 

• Chest pain and other signs of a heart attack
• Problems breathing
• Weakness or numbness on one side
• Slurred speech
• Serious burns
• Head injury
• Broken bones
• Dislocated joints

Types of Procedures Offered at Urgent Care Facilities  

Besides physical exams, urgent care may provide the following procedures: 

• Minor surgical procedures (stitches, mole removal, cauterization, incision and drainage, cyst extraction, fingernail or toenail removal)
• Pap smear testing
• STD testing
• Pregnancy tests
• Blood tests (complete blood count, metabolic panels, enzymes, cholesterol, triglyceride)
• Flu tests and COVID-19 tests

Interested in learning more about procedure costs? Use this price comparison tool to quickly access the costs of these procedures (and lots of others) from providers in your area. 

Compare Procedure Costs Near You

How Much Does a Trip to Urgent Care Cost if You Have Insurance?

All ACA-compliant health insurance plans cover emergency care, though not all insurers define what emergency care is in the same way. So, most insurance plans cover urgent care , and your out-of- pocket costs will likely be cheaper than an ER visit.

Most insurance plan providers encourage the use of urgent care clinics during off-hours, weekends, and holidays — when you can’t see your regular doctor — by charging fees and copays similar to an office visit with a primary care provider. However, some plan providers, like TRICARE, only allow you to visit urgent care clinics that are within your network up to two times each year without prior authorization. 

The typical copay for urgent care is between $25 and $50. Your insurance company sets the rates, and they may vary. 

The average out-of- pocket costs for an urgent care visit if you have insurance breaks down like this: 

Copay and/or coinsurance + deductible (if applicable) = out-of- pocket costs

To find out exactly how much you will have to pay, consult your health insurance plan policy’s explanation of benefits (EOB).

How Much Does Urgent Care Cost for Uninsured Patients ?

In the United States, 5.4 million laid-off workers became uninsured between February and May 2020, an increase that is 39% higher than any other in modern history. 

The average cost of an urgent care visit is $100 to $200, according to American Family Care, the largest urgent care clinic in the United States.

Depending on your medical needs , this could be much higher. Procedures like lab tests and X-rays will increase the amount of your final bill.

Urgent Care Alternatives

Many people go to the ER for simple medical care when they are between paychecks or have a high deductible insurance plan, because an emergency department (unlike urgent care) is obligated to provide care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. 

If you fall into this category or have no insurance , the following urgent care alternatives may fit your needs:

• Free clinics: Many communities offer free or low-cost health care clinics. The cost of using these clinics usually depends on your income or ability to pay. State and local health departments also offer deeply discounted services similar to urgent care clinics . Additionally, there are around 1,400 charity hospitals and clinics across the United States. 
• Retail health clinics: Chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as big-box stores like Target and Walmart, offer minor medical care via retail health clinics (RHC). RHCs offer walk-in health care services in select stores across the United States. The average cost for treatment at an RHC is around $100.
• Telehealth: This is one of the most budget-friendly ways to access health care today. According to United Healthcare , the average cost for telehealth, currently around $50, is about 50% less than most urgent care visit costs. You don’t need to have insurance to use telehealth either. CVS offers telehealth visits via the Minute Clinic .

How to Save on Your Urgent Care Visit Cost

If you are covered by insurance, make certain to go to an urgent care clinic that accepts your specific insurance plan . Calling your provider is the best way to avoid the unhappy surprise of unmet urgent care costs. 

If you’re wondering how you can save money on your out-of- pocket costs , you have a few options. For one, many urgent care clinics offer discounted rates of up to 20% off when you pay in cash. And you can always visit Aunt Bertha , the website that connects you with partners in your area. Their mission is to provide community support, including financial help for medical bills, prescriptions, copays , and deductibles . 

Sometimes when you have to go to an urgent care center , you don’t have time to worry about the costs of tests and procedures. But when possible, looking up prices on Compare.com puts you in control of your health care , helping you make better, more informed decisions.  

Disclaimer: Compare.com does not offer medical advice and is in no way a substitute for any medical advice received from health professionals. Compare.com is unable to offer any advice on any medical procedure you may need.

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ER, urgent care or virtual visit? What to consider to help you save on costs

You slipped on the stairs and feel your ankle throbbing. Or your child spikes a high fever in the middle of the night. You call your primary care doctor first, but you can't get a same-day appointment. So do you go to the emergency room (ER) or urgent care? Or would a virtual visit work best?

If it’s not actually an emergency situation, rushing to the ER  can cost two to three times  more than care in a provider’s office. In addition, seeking care in the ER may mean longer wait times and an increased exposure to germs, plus potentially unnecessary tests or treatments. Using the ER for all your health care needs may also mean you’re missing an opportunity to create a long-term relationship with a primary care provider who can address preventive needs before more serious issues arise.

That’s why understanding the most appropriate care setting is an important step to help you receive the simplest experience for your situation.

Here’s what to consider when deciding where to go for care:

Urgent care center

Urgent care centers are not for emergencies but can help you when you need care quickly. If you can’t get in with your primary care physician, this may be another option. Remember, it’s first-come, first-served. You may consider urgent care if you have symptoms like the following:

• Fever without a rash
• Moderate flu-like symptoms
• Sprains and strains
• Small cuts that may require stiches

The average cost for an  urgent care visit is $185. 1

Emergency room

The hospital emergency room provides medical care for life-threatening injuries or illness. While some people may be tempted to utilize ER services because it’s open 24/7, the wait time is  typically two hours on average , and can vary greatly based on time of day and location. Patients with life-threatening emergencies or critical conditions will be treated first so if you’re experiencing a minor ailment, it may not be the best place to seek care. Some of the symptoms that require an emergency room visit include, but are not limited to:

• Slurred speech
• Serious burns
• Broken bones and dislocated joints
• Fever with a rash

The average cost for an  emergency room visit is $2,600 . 1

Have you considered a virtual visit?

If you are faced with a non-emergency health condition – like a migraine, possible COVID-19, sore throat or stomachache – but your doctor’s office is closed, you may consider a virtual visit. This allows you to virtually chat face-to-face with a doctor, day or night, and may save you up to $1,500 when compared to a visit to the ER. 2

The average cost for a  virtual visit is $54. 1

Still not sure?

UnitedHealthcare plan members can also compare quick care options with UnitedHealthcare’s  online resource , and get more information to help with  COVID-19 concerns . If you or a loved one are experiencing what you feel to be life-threatening symptoms other than those listed, go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

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