Question 1

Do I need an appointment for pediatric urgent care?

Accepted Answer

No, appointments are not required at urgent care facilities. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged. However, some facilities may offer the option to check in online to reduce wait times.

Question 2

What is the difference between urgent care and emergency room?

Accepted Answer

Urgent care is designed for non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention, such as minor injuries, common illnesses, and infections. Emergency rooms handle life-threatening situations like severe injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or major trauma. Urgent care typically has shorter wait times and lower costs than ERs.

Question 3

What conditions can be treated at pediatric urgent care?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric urgent care can treat common conditions including fever, ear infections, coughs and colds, flu, strep throat, minor cuts and burns, sprains and minor fractures, allergic reactions, vomiting and diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and other non-emergency medical issues.

Question 4

When should I take my child to urgent care instead of the ER?

Accepted Answer

Take your child to urgent care for conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Go to the ER for severe injuries, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, head injuries with loss of consciousness, suspected broken bones in the neck or back, or any condition where you feel your child's life may be in danger.

Question 5

Are urgent care centers open on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most urgent care centers are open on weekends, including Saturdays and Sundays. Many facilities also offer extended weekday hours and some are open 24/7. Check the specific facility's hours on their listing page or call ahead to confirm.

Question 6

Are there 24-hour pediatric urgent care facilities in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

While most urgent care centers have extended hours, 24-hour facilities are less common. Some emergency departments at children's hospitals offer 24/7 care. Check individual facility listings for specific hours of operation.

Question 7

What are typical wait times at urgent care?

Accepted Answer

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the facility is. On average, wait times range from 15 minutes to an hour. Peak times are typically late afternoon, early evening, and weekends. Some facilities offer online check-in to reserve your spot.

Question 8

Does insurance cover urgent care visits?

Accepted Answer

Most health insurance plans cover urgent care visits, though your copay or deductible may apply. Coverage varies by plan, so it's best to check with your insurance provider or call the urgent care facility to verify they accept your insurance before your visit.

Question 9

Do urgent care centers accept TennCare (Medicaid)?

Accepted Answer

Many urgent care facilities in Tennessee accept TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program). However, acceptance varies by facility. Always call ahead to confirm that the specific urgent care center accepts TennCare before your visit.

Question 10

How much does urgent care cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Without insurance, urgent care visits typically cost between $100-$250 for the basic visit. Additional costs may apply for X-rays, lab tests, or procedures. Many facilities offer self-pay discounts. Call ahead to ask about pricing and payment options.

Question 11

What insurance plans do Tennessee urgent care centers accept?

Accepted Answer

Most urgent care centers accept major insurance plans including BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and TennCare. Acceptance varies by facility, so always verify with the specific location before your visit.

Question 12

Can urgent care prescribe antibiotics for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, urgent care providers can prescribe antibiotics and other medications for children when medically necessary. They can diagnose infections and provide prescriptions that you can fill at your local pharmacy.

Question 13

Do urgent care centers do X-rays?

Accepted Answer

Most urgent care centers have on-site X-ray capabilities for diagnosing broken bones, fractures, and other injuries. Some facilities may also offer additional diagnostic services. Check with the specific facility to confirm available services.

Question 14

Can I get lab work done at urgent care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most urgent care facilities offer basic lab services including blood tests, urinalysis, strep tests, flu tests, and COVID-19 testing. Results are often available quickly, sometimes within the same visit.

Question 15

What should I bring to urgent care?

Accepted Answer

Bring your child's insurance card, a valid photo ID, a list of current medications, any relevant medical history, and a form of payment. If your child has allergies or chronic conditions, bring documentation of these as well.

Question 16

Can I check in online before visiting?

Accepted Answer

Many urgent care facilities now offer online check-in or reservation systems. This allows you to hold your place in line and reduce wait time. Check the facility's website or call to see if this option is available.

Question 17

What age children can be seen at urgent care?

Accepted Answer

Most pediatric urgent care centers treat children from infancy through adolescence (typically ages 0-18 years). Some facilities may have age restrictions for very young infants. Call ahead if you have a newborn or very young baby.

Question 18

How do I find the nearest urgent care to me?

Accepted Answer

Use the location search feature on our homepage to find urgent care facilities within your specified radius. You can search by city, zip code, or use your current location to see the closest options with directions and hours.

Question 19

Are there pediatric urgent care centers in Nashville?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nashville has numerous pediatric urgent care options throughout the metro area. Use our city browse feature to see all facilities in Nashville and surrounding areas.

Question 20

What areas of Tennessee are covered?

Accepted Answer

Our directory covers urgent care facilities across Tennessee, with major concentrations in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and other cities throughout the state. We currently list facilities in 36+ cities.

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