When unexpected minor illnesses or injuries occur, and your primary care physician isn’t available, knowing where to turn can be a relief. Ssm Health Urgent Care and Express Clinics are designed to provide you with prompt medical attention when you need it most. With a patient satisfaction rate of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews*, our clinics are recognized for combining convenient access with high standards of care. Choosing an urgent care clinic like ours can also be a more time-saving and cost-effective alternative to visiting a hospital emergency room for non-emergency situations.
To find the most relevant services and locations near you, please use our location finder to set your location for specific details about SSM Health Urgent Care options in your area.
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Explore SSM Health Express Virtual Care
For non-urgent medical concerns, SSM Health Express Virtual Care offers a convenient way to connect with a healthcare provider online. This service allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home for a range of common illnesses and minor injuries.
Learn More about Express Virtual Care
Find SSM Health Urgent Care Locations Near You
Locating fast and accessible medical care is simple with SSM Health Urgent Care locations. Find a clinic close to your home and easily view their hours of operation and contact information to plan your visit.
When to Choose Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care
It’s important to understand that SSM Health Urgent Care & Express Clinics are not equipped for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening condition, it is crucial to call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Do not visit an SSM Health Urgent Care or Express Clinic for conditions such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dizziness, sudden weakness, neck stiffness, vision disturbances, or severe headaches
- Seizures
- Fever lasting longer than four days
Additionally, please note the following patient criteria for Urgent Care & Express Clinics:
- Infants under 1 year of age (while some locations may see children under 1, it’s best to call ahead to confirm availability)
- Pregnancy-related complications
For any life-threatening symptoms, always prioritize calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room. Find the Nearest Emergency Room
Frequently Asked Questions About SSM Health Urgent Care
How do I determine the right type of care for my symptoms?
Urgent care fills the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency room. It’s the ideal choice when you need medical attention sooner than you can schedule a doctor’s appointment, but your condition isn’t life-threatening. SSM Health Urgent Care clinics are well-suited for a wide range of issues, from skin rashes and infections to colds, flu symptoms, minor sprains, and moderate injuries. Emergency rooms are reserved for critical, life-threatening illnesses and injuries. To help you decide, we offer a helpful care choices chart to guide you to the most appropriate care setting.
What is the typical wait time at urgent care? How does it compare to ERs or primary care offices?
An average visit to SSM Health Urgent Care typically lasts less than one hour, offering a significantly faster option compared to emergency rooms. Nationally, the average wait time to get an appointment with a primary care physician can be over 20 days. This often leaves individuals with everyday medical issues facing a dilemma: wait weeks for an appointment or resort to a much more expensive and time-consuming ER visit. Emergency room visits can average around 212 minutes.
To minimize wait times, you can find the nearest SSM Health Urgent or Express Care location and check in online or call ahead to inquire about current wait times.
Can I just walk into an urgent care clinic?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome at most urgent care centers. However, immediate care isn’t always guaranteed on a walk-in basis. To streamline your visit, we highly recommend checking in online or calling the clinic beforehand to schedule your arrival or check wait times.
Is there a difference in cost between urgent care and emergency room services?
SSM Health Urgent Care provides a reliable and more affordable alternative to emergency room visits. Urgent care is generally significantly less expensive than ER care. Most major urgent care centers, including SSM Health Urgent Care, are in-network with a wide variety of insurance plans. Co-pays for urgent care visits are also typically lower than those for emergency room visits, making it a more cost-effective option for non-emergency medical needs. We welcome patients of all ages who need prompt medical attention but do not require emergency hospital services.
How can I verify if SSM Health Urgent Care accepts my insurance?
SSM Health Urgent and Express clinics accept a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as many other popular health insurance providers. For detailed insurance information specific to your region, please find your region and view a list of major insurance plans accepted at SSM Health facilities.
What about co-payments for urgent care visits?
If your insurance plan requires a co-payment, it is due at the time of your visit. SSM Health Urgent Care accepts payments via personal check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express for your convenience.
What are the standard operating hours for SSM Health Urgent Care and Express Clinics?
While most urgent care centers operate 7 days a week, hours can vary by location. To confirm the specific opening and closing times for a clinic near you, please find the nearest SSM Health Urgent or Express Care location for their hours of operation.
Are SSM Health Urgent Care clinics open on holidays?
Hours of operation may be adjusted on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. We recommend calling your specific SSM Health Urgent Care location to verify their holiday hours before your visit.
Do urgent care clinics treat children? Are there pediatric urgent care options?
Yes, urgent care centers commonly treat children over one year of age. SSM Health Urgent Care is equipped to handle a variety of pediatric ailments, including bone fractures, minor asthma episodes, skin conditions, nausea, and fever, among others.
What should I bring with me when I visit SSM Health Urgent Care or Express Clinic?
To ensure a smooth check-in process, please bring the following items with you:
- Your insurance card
- A driver’s license or photo ID
- Any relevant medical information, including a list of current medications and allergies
It is important to inform our staff of any allergies, current medications you are taking, and details about your medical history.
What happens when I am discharged from urgent care?
In many cases, you will be treated and discharged shortly after your examination. Before leaving SSM Health Urgent Care, you will need to check out with the receptionist to finalize your visit and receive your urgent care discharge papers. These papers will include detailed instructions for your continued care and any follow-up needed. If prescriptions are necessary, they will be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice for easy pick-up.
*Source: Google Business reviews, August 2022
