Book urgent care & walk-in clinics near me in Boston, MA

Boston offers a variety of urgent care options conveniently located throughout its diverse neighborhoods. In the heart of Back Bay, CareWell Urgent Care is situated near the iconic Prudential Center and Copley Square, easily accessible from Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street. The North End is served by AFC Urgent Care, close to the historic Paul Revere House and bounded by I-93 and Commercial Street. South Boston residents can find care at the South Boston Community Health Center Urgent Care, near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and accessible from Summer Street.

For those in Mission Hill, Brigham and Women's Urgent Care Center is located within the hospital complex, reachable from Huntington Avenue. The Fenway-Kenmore area is served by Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare, situated near the famous Fenway Park and accessible from Brookline Avenue. In Dorchester, Carbon Health Urgent & Primary Care is located near the intersection of Gallivan Boulevard and Neponset Avenue, not far from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

Charlestown residents have access to Mass General Brigham Urgent Care, near the Bunker Hill Monument and easily reached from Rutherford Avenue and I-93. Another option in the Kenmore area is Harvard Vanguard Urgent Care, located in Kenmore Square. East Boston is served by the East Boston NeighborHealth Urgent Care, conveniently situated near Logan International Airport and accessible from Route 1A.

In the Chinatown area, Tufts Medical Center Urgent Care is located within the medical center complex, easily reached from the Surface Artery and Kneeland Street. Lastly, both CIC Health Urgent Care and American Family Care serve the Roxbury area, both are located near Nubian Square and accessible from Warren Street and Tremont Street.

These strategically placed urgent care facilities ensure that Boston residents and visitors have access to immediate medical attention across the city's major neighborhoods, with many locations situated near recognizable landmarks and along major roadways for easy navigation.

How Much Does Urgent Care Cost In Boston?

The cost of urgent care in Boston can vary significantly depending on several factors, making it difficult to provide a specific price range. However, it's generally understood that urgent care visits are typically less expensive than emergency room visits, but more costly than regular primary care appointments.

The final cost of an urgent care visit in Boston depends on various elements, including:

1. The specific urgent care facility you visit

2. Your insurance coverage and plan details

3. The type and complexity of medical services required

4. Any additional tests or procedures needed (such as X-rays or lab work)

5. Whether you're an insured, uninsured, or out-of-network patient

Some urgent care centers in Boston offer transparent pricing models and may provide cost estimates before treatment. Some facilities also offer sliding scale fees based on income for uninsured patients or those with high deductibles. It’s important to remember that while cost is an important factor, the primary focus should be on receiving necessary medical care when needed. Urgent care centers in Boston strive to provide a balance between affordability and quality healthcare for non-emergency situations.

What is the cost of an urgent care visit in Boston without insurance?

• The cost of an urgent care visit in Boston without insurance can vary significantly, depending on what level of care you need — a basic visit costing the least, and increasing with additional services or higher level of care required. Additional services such as X-rays, lab work, or specialized procedures will increase the overall cost of any healthcare service.

What Conditions are Treated in Boston?

In Boston, a variety of healthcare facilities provide treatment for numerous medical conditions, including urgent care centers that offer essential services.

Here’s a summary of commonly treated conditions:

• Accidents and Falls

• Minor Infections, like Ear Infections or UTIs

• Lacerations Requiring Stitches

• Sprains and Minor Broken Bones

• Migraines

• Back Problems

• Asthma Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain

• Symptoms of the Seasonal Flu

• Sports Physicals and DOT Physicals

Additionally, many urgent care centers offer on-site X-ray services, laboratory tests, vaccinations, minor surgical procedures like draining a skin boil, and allergy treatments.

Boston Urgent Care FAQs

Where can I find the best urgent care center in Boston?

You can find some of the best urgent care centers in Boston through platforms like SolvHealth, where you can view urgent care rankings and patient reviews all in one place. As of this publication, the highest-rated urgent care options in Boston include AFC Urgent Care in Back Bay and Mass General Brigham Urgent Care.

What are the typical wait times at Boston urgent care centers?

Typical wait times at urgent care centers in Boston can vary but generally range from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day and patient volume. Many centers provide estimated wait times on their websites or through appointment booking services. With SolvHealth, you can skip the line at many Boston area urgent care clinics.

Which urgent care centers in Boston are open 24/7?

Although there are many emergency rooms in Boston that operate 24/7, there are no urgent care clinics that offer after hours care. Some urgent care facilities, however, do have after hours telehealth available. Additionally, most urgent care facilities offer 24/7 psychiatric care via a hotline.

Do urgent care centers in Boston accept walk-ins, or do I need an appointment?

Most urgent care centers in Boston accept walk-ins — this allows patients to seek care without an appointment. However, some facilities may offer online check-in or appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. You can use SolvHealth to save your spot in line at many Boston area urgent care’s.

Can I get a COVID-19 test at an urgent care center in Boston?

Yes, many urgent care centers in Boston provide COVID-19 testing, including rapid tests and PCR tests. It is recommended to check with specific centers, such as Mass General Brigham Urgent Care, for availability and testing procedures.

What other services do Boston urgent care centers provide beyond basic medical care?

Beyond basic medical care, Boston urgent care centers often provide services such as X-rays, lab tests, vaccinations, physical exams for sports and camps, allergy treatments, and minor surgical procedures.

Are there pediatric urgent care centers in Boston?

Yes, there are several pediatric urgent care centers in Boston that specialize in treating children. Facilities like Boston Children's Hospital Urgent Care and Post Road Pediatrics are two highly-rated urgent care facilities that offer dedicated services for pediatric patients.

How do I choose between an emergency room and urgent care in Boston?

When deciding between an emergency room and urgent care, it’s important to consider the severity of your symptoms. Emergency rooms are best for life-threatening situations, while urgent care is suitable for non-life-threatening issues that require immediate attention. If symptoms are severe or involve chest pain, difficulty breathing, or significant bleeding, go to the emergency room.

What are the most highly rated urgent care centers in Boston?

Some of the most highly rated urgent care centers in Boston include AFC Urgent Care - Back Bay and Beth Israel Deaconess Urgent Care. Reviews on platforms like SolvHealth can provide additional insights into patient experiences.

Top 7 Local FAQs About boston Healthcare

Why do urgent care centers close at 8 pm?

Urgent care centers typically close at 8 PM because they are designed to treat non-emergency medical issues that arise outside of regular office hours. Operating late into the night may not be financially viable due to lower patient volume, as most urgent care facilities focus on providing care during peak hours when demand is higher.

Can urgent care providers in Boston treat more serious conditions?

While urgent care providers in Boston can manage a range of medical issues, they are not equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies. They can treat conditions like sprains, minor fractures, and infections, but for more serious conditions such as severe chest pain or major trauma, patients are advised to go to an emergency room.

What do urgent care centers treat?

Urgent care centers treat a variety of conditions, including minor injuries (like sprains and cuts), infections (such as colds and urinary tract infections), allergic reactions, and other non-life-threatening ailments. They also provide services like X-rays, lab tests, and vaccinations.

Low-cost healthcare with no insurance?

Many urgent care centers offer low-cost healthcare options for uninsured patients, often providing a transparent pricing structure for services. Additionally, community health clinics may offer sliding scale fees based on income, making healthcare more accessible to those without insurance.

What is healthcare for low-income people in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, low-income individuals can access healthcare through programs like MassHealth, which provides comprehensive health insurance coverage. Community health centers also offer affordable care regardless of insurance status, ensuring that low-income residents receive necessary medical services.

Which Boston urgent care centers offer COVID-19 testing?

Several urgent care centers in Boston provide COVID-19 testing, including [Mass General Brigham Urgent Care and AFC Urgent Care. However, you should check their websites for specific testing options and availability.

Does Houston or Boston have better hospitals?

Both Houston and Boston are home to highly regarded hospitals, but Boston is often ranked higher in various healthcare surveys, particularly for specialized care and research. Institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital are frequently recognized for their quality of care, while Houston's Texas Medical Center is renowned for its size and comprehensive services. The choice may depend on specific medical needs and specialties.

Common Health Insurance Companies in Massachusetts

Most urgent care facilities in Boston accept common health insurance policies. Some of the most common health insurance companies in Massachusetts includes:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

• Tufts Health Plan

• MassHealth (Medicaid)

• AllWays Health Partners (Mass General Brigham)

• Health New England

• Fallon Health

• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company

• Aetna

Boston Healthcare News in 2024

• State Mandates Insurance Coverage at all Urgent Care’s to Help Ease Crowded Emergency Rooms
  Boston Globe (July 3, 2024)

• New State-of-The-Art Urgent Care Fills Healthcare Void in Norwood
  Patch, Boston (Jul 11, 2024)

• Brockton Hospital opens two urgent care centers, plans to reopen three months after fire
  Boston 25 News (February 16, 2023)