When unexpected health issues arise that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening, John Muir Urgent Care stands ready to provide expert medical evaluation and treatment. As a collaboration between John Muir Health and UCSF Health, our urgent care center in Berkeley offers patients access to a comprehensive range of services, ensuring you receive the highest quality care when you need it most. Our team of experienced doctors can readily consult with onsite specialists and utilize advanced imaging and laboratory services to expedite diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding where to seek medical care can be crucial. For serious, life-threatening conditions, it’s vital to call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately. Conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke necessitate emergency care. However, for a wide array of less critical medical issues, John Muir Urgent Care offers a convenient and efficient alternative to the emergency room or waiting for a primary care appointment.
Is it Urgent Care, Emergency Room, or Primary Care? Making the Right Choice
To help you determine the most appropriate care setting, consider the following guidelines:
| Situation | Recommended Care | Examples of Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Life-Threatening Emergency | Emergency Room or Call 911 | Chest pain, coughing up blood, difficulty seeing, speaking, or breathing, head injuries, seizures, severe injury or bleeding, sudden dizziness or fainting, unusual behavior or confusion. |
| Non-Life-Threatening, Urgent Medical Needs | John Muir Urgent Care | Asthma attacks, cough or sore throat, ear pain, joint and muscle pain, migraines and other headaches, minor burns, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, painful urination, respiratory infections, skin infections. |
| Routine Health Needs | Primary Care Provider Appointment | Physical exams, routine wellness needs, chronic pain management, chronic disease management. |
While John Muir Urgent Care is equipped to handle many medical concerns, in certain situations, our providers may determine that a patient requires the more intensive care of an emergency department. This decision is always made with the patient’s best interests at heart, ensuring they receive the most appropriate level of care for their specific condition. Similarly, some conditions may necessitate a referral to a specialist or follow-up care with your primary care physician.
Health Insurance and Payment Options at John Muir Urgent Care
At John Muir Urgent Care, we strive to make healthcare accessible and convenient. We accept a wide range of health insurance plans. For a comprehensive list of accepted plans, please visit our insurance page. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider prior to your visit to understand your coverage details, including co-payment responsibilities, as treatment costs may vary depending on your specific plan. Please note that co-payments for urgent care services are collected at the time of your visit.
For patients who prefer to manage their healthcare expenses directly, John Muir Urgent Care also offers self-pay options. We accept various forms of payment, including:
- Cash or check (for John Muir Health patients)
- Mastercard/Visa (debit or credit card)
- American Express
- Discover
Choosing John Muir Urgent Care means opting for prompt, professional medical attention in a comfortable and accessible setting. Learn more about the strong partnership between UCSF Health and John Muir Health and how it benefits our patients by visiting UCSF Health and John Muir Health Partnership. For your non-emergency medical needs requiring immediate attention, John Muir Urgent Care is here for you.
