Sponsored: A guide to same-day sick care visits

Getting sick is never fun. Whether a sore throat, runny nose or skin rash, you don’t want to wait days to see a doctor. That’s where same-day sick care visits come in handy. These visits allow you see a provider quickly, treat minor illnesses and get back to feeling your best.

What Is Same-Day Sick Care?

Same-day sick care means you can see a healthcare provider the same day you start feeling unwell. It’s a convenient way to address minor illnesses like:

• Colds and coughs
  
• Flu-like symptoms
  
• Sinus infections
  
• Vomiting or diarrhea
  
• Skin rashes or mild allergic reactions

Several Options for Same-Day Care

Getting care quickly means you’ll start feeling better sooner and early treatment can stop minor illnesses from becoming more serious. There are several options for same-day sick care, depending on your needs.

1. Urgent Care: Urgent care clinics are perfect if you prefer to see a provider in person. The provider will examine you and provide treatment on the spot.
   • What It Treats: Urgent care is great for minor illnesses and injuries like colds, coughs, sinus infections, or sprains.
     
   • Hours: Most clinics are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it easy to fit a visit into your schedule.
     
   • Cost: For those paying out of pocket, urgent care typically costs around $205. If you have insurance, the cost is billed at your plan’s contracted rate.
     
2. On-Demand Virtual Care: If you can’t leave home or want the convenience of an online visit, virtual care is an excellent choice. Using a phone, tablet or computer, you can connect face-to-face with a provider.
   • What It Treats: Virtual care is effective for addressing mild illnesses like colds, the flu, COVID-19, coughs or skin conditions such as rashes.
     
   • Hours: Virtual care is available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you can get care outside of normal clinic hours.
     
   • Cost: Virtual visits are more affordable than in-person care, with a typical cost of $65 for self-pay or billed through insurance.
     
3. Pediatric Sick Care: Providers who specialize in children’s health can help them feel better quickly and get back to their routine.
   • What It Treats: Pediatric clinics offer same-day appointments for minor illnesses like fevers, colds, sore throats, or stomach issues.
     
   • Hours: Most offices are open standard business hours during the week and have appointments available for same-day sick care.
     
   • Cost: For those paying out of pocket, office visits typically range from $80 to $150. If you have insurance, the cost is billed at your plan’s contracted rate.

Choosing the Best Option for You

Deciding where to go depends on your symptoms and what feels most comfortable for you:

Choose Urgent Care if you have symptoms that require a physical exam, such as an earache, a sore throat, a sprain or a deep cut. For children, it is best to contact your pediatrician.

Choose Virtual Care if your symptoms can be easily explained or shown over a video call, like a rash, mild flu symptoms or a urinary tract infection.

Both options give you access to knowledgeable providers who can diagnose your issue and provide the right treatment.

When to Use Same-Day Sick Care

Same-day care is designed for minor illnesses and injuries. It’s not meant for serious or long-lasting symptoms. Here are some examples of when same-day care is appropriate:

• You’ve had a cold for a couple of days, and it’s not improving.
  
• You have flu symptoms, like fever and chills, and need relief.
  
• You notice a rash that’s spreading or getting worse.

However, if your symptoms are more severe or have lasted several days, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or pediatrician. They can give you a more in-depth evaluation and help address ongoing health concerns.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Whether you’re going to urgent care or using virtual care, here are some tips to make your visit smooth and effective:

• Prepare by having a list of your symptoms, when they started, and any medications you’re taking.
  
• Collect questions to ask your provider about your diagnosis, treatment options or anything you’re unsure about.

Feel Better Sooner With Same-Day Sick Care

In today’s busy world, same-day care offers fast, flexible and reliable options for getting the care you need when minor illnesses strike. Whether an in-person visit or a virtual appointment, same-day care ensures you’re back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Next time you’re not feeling your best, remember that help is just a visit or a click away. Visit UHhospitals.org/SameDay to find care near you.