Patients often choose to visit urgent care centers because they prefer to avoid the long waiting periods associated with ER services and days-long waiting for their primary care service providers. Because of this increased demand, urgent care centers can get busy and have some wait times, albeit much shorter. Is there anything you can do to minimize this? Follow these tips to speed up your urgent care visit.
Online Check-In
Technology in the medical field not only has made healthcare delivery more effective, but it has also increased convenience for healthcare providers and patients. Many urgent care centers have websites where you can check-in online. This process is even easier if you are a returning patient to the clinic, because most of the information may be on file or in an online account. Online check-in saves time at the location and can guarantee you faster service.
Writing and Gathering Information
A great amount of time is spent looking over your relevant medical information before the actual visit. Show some consideration towards the receptionist, physician, and other staff, and bring as much of your medical information and documents as possible. In general, most urgent care clinics will require you to bring one of the following forms:
- Valid identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Insurance card (to verify your plan’s coverage and associated co-pays)
- Method of payment (cash, check, card, etc.)
- Completed patient forms.
In addition to your documents, you can bring in brief notes describing any symptoms or aspects of your current condition with as much detail as possible. Sometimes, your memory might get hazy, so writing down this information can help the healthcare provider immensely.
Filling Out Forms Online
Just like with an appointment check-in, technology has expedited the process of filling out forms. Some urgent care clinics allow you to fill out the required forms online as you check-in. You can complete these forms from the comfort of your home and the information can be seamlessly uploaded by the time you arrive at the urgent care.
Resolving Billing
Another way to prevent potential delays and surprises right before your clinic visit is by resolving your financial information before the visit. Research methods of payment for the specific clinic you are visiting and arrive with the currency or method at hand. Also, urgent care clinics accept most forms of insurance, but double-check to ensure the chosen clinic accepts your insurance. Premier Urgent Care Chicago accepts most insurances except Medicaid.
Proper preparation will shorten your wait time, allow the healthcare provider to take better care of you and allow you to get back to the things you need to do.
Better Providers. Better Care.
Learn why patients have come to trust Premier Urgent Care.