Emergency Rooms vs. Urgent Care Centers

There has been a significant increase in urgent care centers over the years and many people believe they are the same as emergency rooms. The truth is they are very different from one another. Though it offers similar services, an urgent care center is typically a privately funded facility whereas emergency rooms are usually a subsection of a hospital.

Deciding whether to visit the emergency room or urgent care center is very important for getting the treatment you need and many times it depends on your health insurance. If you have any questions about health insurance, contact Health Insurance of California at 1-888-875-9888 for a free quote.

Major Differences in Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care Centers

While there are many similarities between these two types of facilities, there are also some key differences you should be aware of before visiting either. Some common differences include:

• Urgent care centers are usually unable to treat life-threatening conditions like a heart attack, whereas emergency rooms can handle such conditions

• Emergency rooms are generally required by law to provide care 24 hour a day, whereas urgent care centers can set their own hours

• Emergency rooms are generally required to treat anyone regardless of their ability to pay, whereas urgent care centers can refuse to treat uninsured patients

By refusing care to patients, urgent care centers can keep their overhead costs down, therefore keeping medical costs low for insured patients.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about health insurance plans or would like a free quote on a policy for you or your family, contact Health Insurance of California at 1-888-875-9888 and speak with a California insurance professional.