Copay for Urgent Care Visit: What to Expect

Healthcare can be a deeply stressful prospect in the United States, especially when it comes to the matter of payment. What can you expect from copay at an urgent care facility? We’ll explore what copay is, what patients can expect, and put any concerns to rest.

Copay Explained: What is Copay?

What is copay? Copay is short for copayment. And, as the name suggests, it means sharing in the payment between two parties. In this case, a health insurance company and the individual patient.

The copay is a fixed flat fee for certain medical office visits, prescription drugs, and other services. Your insurance will set this amount and will communicate this to you upon signing up for their plan. Depending on the clinic and the insurance plan, an urgent room visit could cost around $100 to $175.

However, some preventative medical services may not have a cost-sharing component. Services like annual preventative care checkups, certain screenings, and childhood vaccines, should be covered without out-of-pocket costs.

Copay vs Coinsurance: Which is Which? What is Coinsurance?

Comparing copay vs coinsurance depends on the plan. Copay is when a portion of the larger cost is paid by the insurer for that person’s medical care. An urgent care clinic or medical provider will charge the insurer a certain amount for your care.

Some plans, however, may offer what’s called coinsurance instead of copays. Coinsurance is a percentage of every procedure, typically with no fixed limit. You will typically pay this at the time of service or get a bill afterward for your portion of the visit. Your insurance may offer this feature instead of a copay depending on your provider and their plans.

Copay vs Deductible: What’s the Difference?

Another common discussion with copay is comparing copay vs deductible. The annual deductible is the set amount you’re required to pay for medical care in a single year. After paying that set amount, your health insurance will start paying claims, only requiring the copay for subsequent visits.

Essentially, after paying the deductible, you will only have to pay your copay alone. Different insurance plans will have varying deductibles and copay terms. Check with your health insurance plan or ask your provider for more information.

Moreover, if you’re concerned about medical costs or looking for ongoing coverage, there are options available to you. Consider a short-term health insurance policy, or sign up for one through the Affordable Care Act. The ACA’s health exchange opens every fall.

When to Go to Urgent Care

Generally speaking, you should go to urgent care if you need immediate medical care. From there, you can get an urgent care physician to examine the issue, provide a diagnosis, and prescribe medication. If the situation is especially severe, they will make a referral to send you to the ER.

Urgent care clinics are used for facing moderate illness symptoms, minor physical injuries, or small wounds needing stitches. Normally, these conditions can be treated with over-the-counter medication and rest. However, in some cases, symptoms persist and medical intervention is required. Urgent care clinics bridge the gap between the doctor’s office and the emergency room.

Paying is Easy with BASS Urgent Care

Copays ensure you receive proper treatment when you need it most. You deserve to feel peace of mind when visiting urgent care.

BASS Urgent Care understands how much cost factors into receiving quality medical service. Navigating between patients, caregivers, and insurers can make the process unnecessarily stressful. Proudly serving Walnut Creek, BASS Urgent Care is here to serve your needs first and foremost. Your urgent care treatment is in safe hands with BASS’s board-certified professionals.