On-Site Services

Urgent Care and Patient First

In recent years, urgent care centers have become an increasingly popular component of the nation’s healthcare delivery system. These centers are often designed to provide many of the same services hospital emergency departments offer, but with a shorter wait time and at a fraction of the cost.

However, despite the recent popularity of urgent care centers, many individuals are still unsure what urgent care really is and how it may benefit them.

What is Urgent Care at Patient First?

For more than 30 years, Patient First has provided convenient and cost-effective primary, urgent and occupational health care. At Patient First, experienced physicians and support staff are available on a non-appointment basis from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year. In order to optimize convenience for all patients, each medical center is equipped with both x-ray and lab testing facilities and stocks a variety of prescription drugs.

Providing for Your Medical Needs

So, what does this mean for you? This means you can walk in to any Patient First and see a physician right when you need one. As Patient First offers x-rays, lab tests and prescription drugs on-site, it also means that most of your care can be handled in a single visit.

Patient First bridges the gap between the emergency department (ED) and your primary care physician’s office. We handle many of the same diagnoses as the ED, but with a shorter wait time, at a fraction of the cost, and we are available at hours beyond those of a typical primary care physician’s office. In fact, the conditions that make more than 60% of hospital emergency department visits are treated at Patient First.¹ And, at your request, we will send your medical records to your primary care physician.

Patient First physicians and staff treat a variety of symptoms and provide a variety of services.

These include the following:

• Colds and flu
• Infections
• Fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Lacerations
• Allergies
• Sore throat
• Bronchitis and pneumonia
• Burns and rashes
• Immunizations and vaccinations

Saving Time

When you don’t feel well, the last thing you want to do is wait. Patient First’s goal is to provide efficient service that is sensitive to your medical needs and to your time.

First and foremost, the wait times at our medical centers are almost always significantly less than those at hospital EDs. The average visit time at Patient First is less than 1 hour, while the average time for the ED is approximately 4 hours.²

Patient First also saves you time by working around your schedule. Patient First has extended night, weekend and holiday hours. We are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year, so you never have to miss work or school, or wait for an appointment.

The range of on-site services available at Patient First also helps save time as it ensures that you will receive the most complete care possible, without needing to go anywhere else. Do you have a sore throat? The on-site lab allows you to get the results of your strep test during your visit. Are you worried that your arm might be broken? Our on-site x-ray facilities allow our physicians to make that determination. Do you have a sinus infection and don’t feel like driving over to the pharmacy? Your Patient First physician will write your prescription and dispense it during your visit. Bottom line: Patient First saves you time so you can get home faster and start on your way to a speedy recovery.

Saving Money

At Patient First, we offer convenient, physician-based health care at an affordable price. We accept all major health insurance plans and file all claims on your behalf.

The co-payment amount for urgent care services at Patient First is usually less than half of the co-payment for the ED. Patient First co-pays are commonly between $20 - $40, while a co-payment at the ED is usually $100 to $150.

Second, the cost of services provided in the ED is two to three times higher than the cost of those same services provided at Patient First. According to Aetna, the average ED cost for ailments such as sprains, influenza, minor lacerations, and migraine and tension headaches is between $550 and $750. The same care at urgent care centers such as Patient First is between $110 and $150.³ That’s an 80% savings for like services.

Health Care that Fits your Lifestyle

With comprehensive care designed around the needs of the patient, Patient First is a convenient, quick and cost-saving alternative to the ED for non-life-threatening issues.

The following guide will help you to determine if Patient First is right for your symptoms:

Patient First operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Please visit patientfirst.com for on-site services, a nearby location, physician biographies and current schedule.

¹Source: Anthem Press Release – 7/21/11 – “Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia Launches Initiative to Curbe Avoidable Emergency Room Visits” - http://www.anthem.com/health-insurance/about-us/pressreleasedetails/VA/2010/426
²Source: Press Ganey 2010 Emergency Department Pulse Report
³Source: Average Urgent care and Emergency Room Pricing. Aetna Strategic Contract Manager 9/08, as quoted in “Say goodbye to unnecessary ER visits!” Aetna member newsletter, October, 2008