About Walk-in Health Clinics

Walk-in health clinics can be a cost-effective choice when it comes to health care. However, they lack the services you can get from a doctor or hospital visit.

Use

• Walk-in clinics are usually used for minor health care issues, such as colds, flu, rashes or sinus infections. More serious health problems may be referred to a hospital.

Services

• The services walk-in clinics are allowed to perform is regulated by the state. Most do not offer any kind of x-rays or lab work.

Cost

• Walk-in health clinics are generally cheaper than visits to a doctor or emergency room. Clinics also take most kinds of health insurance.

Staff

• The typical medical staff at walk-in clinics are nurse practitioners rather than doctors. However, nurse practitioners can perform medical care and prescribe basic drugs just like doctors.

Locations

• Some walk-in medical clinics are located in standalone buildings, but many of them are affiliated with and located in malls, large stores and pharmacies, such as Wal-Mart and CVS.