Walk-in clinics: What to know before you go

Walk-in clinics provide quick, convenient and low-cost care when your doctor isn't available. Find out whether these clinics are a good option for you.

You have a runny nose, and your head is pounding. You suspect you might have a sinus infection. But your doctor can't see you for three more days, so where can you go to get some relief? You've heard of a new type of clinic offering quick, same-day service. These walk-in clinics, such as MinuteClinic and RediClinic, are popping up in stores, pharmacies and workplaces across the United States. Some hospitals and health care systems, including Mayo Clinic, are starting their own walk-in clinics similar to those in stores. Make sure you understand what to expect and what services are offered before heading to a walk-in clinic.

What is a retail walk-in clinic?

A retail walk-in clinic is a clinic that treats certain common conditions. Although it varies from clinic to clinic, walk-in clinics are often staffed by licensed nurse practitioners who are specially trained to work in the clinics and can write a prescription for you if necessary. A doctor employed by the clinic is available on call to the nurse practitioner if a consultation is necessary or an emergency arises.

The clinics are designed to be convenient. Some clinics have opened in larger workplaces. Others are located in stores or pharmacies. They often have evening and weekend hours, and many make guarantees of short waiting times.

What conditions do walk-in clinics treat?

It depends on which clinic you go to, but most walk-in clinics treat conditions such as:

Sinus infections or upper respiratory infections
Bladder infections
Strep throat
Pink eye or styes
Minor injuries, such as burns or sprains
Skin conditions, such as warts or eczema

Some clinics also provide other services, such as flu or tetanus vaccinations, routine physicals for school or work, and pregnancy tests.

Because not every clinic treats these conditions, call ahead or check the clinic's Web site to make sure you can receive the care you're looking for. Also, some clinics have age restrictions on who they'll treat for certain conditions. For example, some clinics will only treat bladder infections for women and girls 13 and older.

What does it cost to get treated at a walk-in clinic?

Many walk-in clinics advertise that they offer services for treatments at a lower price than you would pay if you waited to see your doctor. Some clinics post the cost for each service on a board outside the clinic so that you know what you'll pay before you're seen. While the cost of services varies from clinic to clinic, you can generally expect to pay within a certain range.

Approximate costs of treatment for common conditions at walk-in clinics

Condition	Cost for treatment
Sinus infection	$50-$95
Strep throat	$50-$95
Bladder infection	$60-$95
Pink eye and styes	$50-$95
Wart removal	$60-$200
Minor burns	$50-$200
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) shot	$60-$65
Flu shot	$25-$35

Retail walk-in clinics usually accept cash, checks and credit cards. Many clinics accept insurance, but not all providers will pay for treatment at retail walk-in clinics. Call your insurance company before going to a clinic if you're concerned about your coverage, or check the Web site of the clinic you want to visit. Some clinics list what insurance plans have agreed to reimburse for treatment.

When should I see my doctor instead of going to a walk-in clinic?

Retail walk-in clinics might be a good option for you, but if you're very sick, you should probably skip the visit and head straight to your doctor, an urgent care clinic staffed by doctors or the emergency room. Signs that your condition is too serious to go to a retail walk-in clinic include:

A fever over 103 F (39.4 C) for conditions such as sinus infection or strep throat
A stiff neck or severe pain for conditions such as ear infections, strep throat or upper respiratory infections
A recurrent condition, such as having more than four cases of sinus infection or strep throat in a year
Deep tissue damage or blistered burns
A weakened immune system from another condition or medications you take

If you go to a retail walk-in clinic and the nurse practitioner or health care professional seeing you decides you're too sick to be treated at the clinic, you'll be referred to the emergency room or a doctor affiliated with the clinic.

Retail walk-in clinics aren't a substitute for regular visits with your doctor. Tell your doctor about any care you receive at a walk-in clinic during your next visit so that your medical history is complete.

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