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Walk-in clinics: What to know before you go
Walk-in clinics provide quick, convenient and low-cost care when your doctor isn't available. Find out whether these clinics are a good option for you.
By Mayo Clinic staffYou have a runny nose, and your head is pounding. You suspect you might have a sinus infection. But your doctor can't see you for three more days, so where can you go to get some relief? You've heard of a new type of clinic offering quick, same-day service. These walk-in clinics, such as MinuteClinic and RediClinic, are popping up in stores, pharmacies and workplaces across the United States. Some hospitals and health care systems, including Mayo Clinic, are starting their own walk-in clinics similar to those in stores. Make sure you understand what to expect and what services are offered before heading to a walk-in clinic.
What is a retail walk-in clinic?
A retail walk-in clinic is a clinic that treats certain common conditions. Although it varies from clinic to clinic, walk-in clinics are often staffed by licensed nurse practitioners who are specially trained to work in the clinics and can write a prescription for you if necessary. A doctor employed by the clinic is available on call to the nurse practitioner if a consultation is necessary or an emergency arises.
The clinics are designed to be convenient. Some clinics have opened in larger workplaces. Others are located in stores or pharmacies. They often have evening and weekend hours, and many make guarantees of short waiting times.
What conditions do walk-in clinics treat?
It depends on which clinic you go to, but most walk-in clinics treat conditions such as:
- Sinus infections or upper respiratory infections
- Bladder infections
- Strep throat
- Pink eye or styes
- Minor injuries, such as burns or sprains
- Skin conditions, such as warts or eczema
Some clinics also provide other services, such as flu or tetanus vaccinations, routine physicals for school or work, and pregnancy tests.
Because not every clinic treats these conditions, call ahead or check the clinic's Web site to make sure you can receive the care you're looking for. Also, some clinics have age restrictions on who they'll treat for certain conditions. For example, some clinics will only treat bladder infections for women and girls 13 and older.
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