When unexpected minor injuries or illnesses strike and your primary care physician isn’t available, Ssm Urgent Care is here to provide prompt and reliable medical attention. With a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 customer satisfaction rating from over 3,000 patient reviews*, our clinics are recognized for combining accessibility with exceptional healthcare standards. Choosing SSM Urgent Care can also be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to visiting a hospital emergency room for non-life-threatening conditions.
Alt text: A young woman with glasses smiles as she consults with a healthcare provider via telehealth on her smartphone, representing the convenience of SSM Urgent Care virtual and in-person services.
For personalized information on SSM Urgent Care services in your vicinity, please use our location finder to discover the options nearest to you.
Explore SSM Health Express Virtual Care
For non-emergency medical concerns, SSM Health Express Virtual Care offers a convenient way to connect with our providers online. Receive expert medical advice and treatment from the comfort of your home or office.
Find an SSM Health Urgent Care Location Near You
Locate the nearest SSM Health Urgent Care and Express Clinic to receive swift medical attention close to home. You can easily access each location’s operating hours and contact information to plan your visit.
When to Choose SSM Urgent Care and When to Go to the Emergency Room
It’s crucial to understand that SSM Health Urgent Care and Express Clinics are designed for non-emergency medical situations. For life-threatening or limb-threatening conditions, immediate emergency medical care is essential. Do not visit an SSM Health Urgent Care or Express Clinic if you or your loved one is experiencing any of the following critical symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden dizziness, weakness, or changes in vision
- Neck stiffness accompanied by severe headache
- Seizures or convulsions
- High fever lasting more than four days
Furthermore, SSM Urgent Care may not be appropriate for:
- Infants under one year old (please call ahead as some locations may treat infants; availability varies)
- Pregnancy-related complications
If you are experiencing any of these severe symptoms, call 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room without delay. Your health and safety are paramount, and emergency rooms are equipped to handle critical medical situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSM Health Urgent Care Services
How do I determine the appropriate level of care based on my symptoms?
SSM Urgent Care fills a vital gap between your primary care physician and the emergency department. It’s the ideal choice when you need timely medical attention for issues that require quicker treatment than a scheduled doctor’s appointment but are not severe enough for the ER. Urgent care centers are well-suited to address a wide range of conditions, from skin rashes and infections to common illnesses like colds and flu, as well as minor injuries such as sprains and strains. Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are reserved for critical, life-threatening medical emergencies. To help you decide, consult our care choices chart for guidance.
What is the typical duration of an urgent care visit? How do wait times compare to emergency rooms or primary care physicians?
At SSM Health Urgent Care, the average visit is under one hour, designed to get you back to your day quickly. In contrast, scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician can often take weeks, with national averages exceeding a 20-day wait. Emergency room visits can be significantly longer, averaging around 212 minutes. SSM Urgent Care provides a timely solution, bridging the gap and offering prompt care without the excessive wait times associated with ERs or delayed primary care appointments. To check current wait times at your local SSM Health Urgent or Express Care, find a location near you, schedule online, or call the clinic directly.
Can I simply walk into an SSM Urgent Care clinic?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome at most SSM Urgent Care locations. However, while we strive to provide timely care, immediate service upon arrival is not always guaranteed. To minimize wait times and streamline your visit, we highly recommend utilizing our online check-in system or calling ahead to schedule an appointment.
Is there a cost difference between urgent care and emergency room services?
Choosing SSM Health Urgent Care is a financially sound decision. Urgent care services are significantly more cost-effective compared to emergency room visits for similar non-emergency conditions. SSM Urgent Care is contracted with most major insurance providers and typically has lower co-pays than emergency rooms, making it a budget-friendly option for quality healthcare.
How can I confirm if SSM Health Urgent Care and Express Clinics accept my insurance plan?
SSM Health Urgent and Express Clinics are in-network with Medicare, Medicaid, and a wide variety of popular health insurance plans. For a comprehensive list of accepted insurance plans at SSM Health facilities in your region, please visit our insurance information page.
What about co-payments for urgent care visits?
If your insurance plan includes a co-payment, it is payable at the time of your SSM Urgent Care visit. For your convenience, we accept payments via personal check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
What are the operating hours for SSM Health Urgent Care and Express Clinics?
Most SSM Urgent Care centers offer extended hours and are open seven days a week to accommodate your schedule. However, hours may vary by location. To find the specific opening and closing times for the SSM Health Urgent or Express Care nearest to you, please use our location finder.
Are SSM Urgent Care clinics open on holidays?
Holiday hours, particularly on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, may differ from regular operating hours. We recommend contacting your specific SSM Health Urgent Care location directly to confirm their holiday hours before your visit.
Do SSM Urgent Care clinics treat children? Are there pediatric-specific urgent care options?
SSM Urgent Care clinics provide care for children over the age of one year, addressing a wide spectrum of pediatric ailments. From minor injuries like bone fractures to illnesses such as asthma exacerbations, skin infections, nausea, and fever, our experienced medical teams are equipped to care for your child’s needs.
What should I bring with me to my SSM Health Urgent Care or Express Clinic visit?
To ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process, please bring the following items to your SSM Health Urgent Care or Express Clinic appointment:
- Your insurance card
- A driver’s license or photo ID
- A list of any current medications, allergies, and relevant medical history
Providing this information to our staff will help us deliver the best possible care.
What is the discharge process like at SSM Urgent Care?
In most cases, you will be treated and discharged shortly after your medical examination. Before leaving SSM Urgent Care, please check out with the receptionist to finalize your visit and receive your urgent care discharge papers. These papers will include detailed instructions for your aftercare and any necessary follow-up. If prescriptions are required, they will be electronically sent to your preferred pharmacy for convenient pickup.
*Source: Google Business reviews, August 2022
