Each year, Americans spend thousands of dollars on unnecessary emergency room visits. Did you know the majority of ER cases can be treated at after-hours medical clinics that are likely covered by your insurance without the "ER" markup?
According to a 2018 study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, only 14% of ER visits resulted in hospitalization.
How much do most ER visits cost?
An ER visit can cost $500 to $3,000 or more. Additional costs can quickly add up, including bills for the facility, individual doctors, diagnostic tests, and out-of-network charges.
What is the difference between ER and urgent care?
Urgent care centers have limited services and hours. They are typically staffed by at least one physician assisted by nurse practitioners or physician assistants. They treat more urgent but not life-threatening conditions. Services may or may not be in-network with your insurance.
Emergency rooms can be freestanding or connected to a hospital. They are 24/7 operations staffed by physicians and nurses with on-site diagnostic tests, x-rays, labs, operating rooms, and in-patient beds for treating medical emergencies. A triage fee of $200 to $1000 is typically charged.
ARC After Hours Clinics treat immediate and urgent issues
ARC After Hours Clinic locations are staffed by both Pediatric and Adult Medicine providers who can care for immediate health and non-life-threatening urgent issues.
They have on-site radiology and laboratory services for most blood tests, x-rays, and standard diagnostic tests. ARC accepts more than 50 insurance plans and is likely to be in-network. An additional fee of $35 for an after-hours visit is covered by some insurance plans. Appointments are available seven days a week, including holidays.
The details of your visit will be saved to your medical record and shared with your ARC primary care physician, if you have one, to coordinate any follow-up visits.
Common reasons for ER visits that can be treated at ARC
Same-Day and After Hours appointments are available 365 days a year for minor emergencies, including sprains, colds and flu, minor burns, seasonal allergies, and more.
These common reasons for ER visits can be treated at ARC After Hours clinics:
- Accidents & falls
- Acute gastrointestinal illness
- Fevers, colds & flu
- Minor cuts & burns
- Rashes
- Skin infections
- Sprains/strains
- Urinary tract infections
When should you go to the ER?
Always call 911 for emergencies, including heart attack or stroke symptoms, or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Additionally, any of these symptoms or conditions are considered emergencies that require immediate attention:
- Severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, loss of vision, loss of balance, or severe headache)
- Loss of consciousness
- Broken or exposed bone
- Overdose or poisoning
- Drug or alcohol withdrawal
- Suicide attempt or psychosis
- Animal bite
- Bleeding/deep cuts or puncture wound
- Head injuries
- Fever over 103
- Seizure
Another alternative is NormanMD for on-demand 24/7 televisits
ARC offers a convenient telemedicine subscription service for direct and immediate access, 24/7/365, to an ARC Pediatrician or Adult Medicine doctor. NormanMD doctors can advise, diagnose, and treat urgent care symptoms, including colds, flu, seasonal allergies, rashes, nausea, and diarrhea. These doctors also have access to your ARC records for coordinated care.
Available NormanMD subscription plans include 72-hour access, annual or monthly. Introductory pricing, starting at $9.95/month, is available through July 31, 2023.
Book online for urgent care services at ARC
When you have a spill, chill, or ill that just can't wait, you can book an After Hours Illness & Injury visit directly from the ARC website.
Click BOOK NOW for after-hours appointments seven days a week at ARCafterhours.com.