What Is the Cost of an Urgent Care Visit vs ER?

When you experience a sudden illness or minor injury, it’s important to get the right care at the right place. While emergency rooms (ERs) are equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies and very complex medical situations, the cost of an ER visit is often much higher compared to urgent care—especially for non-urgent health concerns. In Oklahoma and across the nation, ER visits can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, even for relatively minor issues, due to extensive resources, specialized staffing, and advanced equipment.

We provide high-quality medical care for conditions that need prompt attention but are not true emergencies—such as sprains, minor cuts, mild infections, cold and flu symptoms, and more. The cost for a visit to our urgent care centers is typically far lower than what you’d pay at the ER, often ranging from $100 to $200 for a basic visit, plus any necessary lab tests or procedures. We accept most major insurance plans, and out-of-pocket expenses are usually similar to or just above a primary care co-pay.

Choosing Immediate Care of Oklahoma instead of the ER for non-emergency situations means you can save time and money—while still getting expert medical evaluation and treatment. Our clinics are designed for convenience, with shorter wait times and a focus on patient centered care.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we understand that medical costs are a significant concern for our patients. One of the key reasons to choose urgent care centers like ours over hospital emergency rooms for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries is the considerable difference in cost for the same basic treatment.

Emergency rooms are designed and staffed to handle life threatening emergencies around the clock, requiring advanced medical equipment, highly specialized personnel, and continuous readiness. This 24/7 level of preparedness results in much higher operating expenses, which are reflected in the higher charges—even for simple treatments such as minor infections, sprains, or cuts.

Immediate Care of Oklahoma, on the other hand, is specifically set up to provide high-quality care for non-emergency situations that still require prompt attention. We maintain efficient staffing, streamlined services, and focused resources, allowing us to keep costs down. This means our patients pay significantly less for treatments such as minor injuries, common illnesses, or basic diagnostic tests compared to what they might be charged at a hospital ER.

Another factor contributing to lower costs at Immediate Care of Oklahoma is our straightforward billing process. Unlike hospitals, which must often absorb the cost of providing care to patients regardless of their ability to pay, we typically collect insurance information or payment at the time of service. This helps keep our services affordable for everyone.

The cost of treating a sprained ankle is significantly less than what you would pay at a hospital emergency room (ER). On average, an urgent care visit with us—including a thorough examination, possible X-rays, and a basic splint or wrap if needed—typically ranges from $100 to $200. If you have insurance, your copay for urgent care is often much lower than for an ER visit, sometimes as little as $20 to $75, depending on your plan.

In contrast, a trip to the ER for a sprained ankle can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more—even for minor injuries. This higher cost is due to emergency facility fees, additional testing, and higher copays or deductibles charged by many insurance plans for ER visits.

Unless your injury involves severe pain, obvious deformity, complete inability to bear weight, or you suspect a more serious fracture or dislocation, Immediate Care of Oklahoma is the ideal choice for fast, expert treatment. Our walk-in clinics are equipped to handle most sprains and minor injuries, so you can avoid long ER wait times and high costs. Because insurance plans vary, we recommend contacting your provider to confirm your coverage and expected out-of-pocket expenses. Our friendly staff is also happy to help answer your billing and insurance questions.

For most sprained ankles and other minor injuries, we offer the efficient, cost-effective care you need—right when you need it. Walk into any of our convenient locations for prompt treatment and get back to your daily activities as soon as possible!

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we understand how alarming allergic reactions can be—and how confusing it may be to decide whether to visit urgent care or the emergency room (ER). As your trusted neighborhood urgent care provider, we want you to know that for most mild to moderate allergic reactions, urgent care is not only the safe choice but also much more affordable than an ER visit.

For non-life-threatening allergic reactions—such as localized hives, mild swelling, itching, or minor rashes—Immediate Care of Oklahoma offers prompt, expert evaluation and treatment. Our average visit costs typically range from $100 to $200, depending on your needs and insurance coverage. This includes your exam, basic treatment (such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or even epinephrine if needed), and, in many cases, prescriptions to help you recover quickly.

By comparison, emergency rooms specialize in treating severe, life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, which can require advanced interventions such as intravenous medications, oxygen, or continuous monitoring. ER care is vital for these situations—but it comes at a much higher cost, with average bills often exceeding $1,000 or more. Additionally, insurance co-pays and deductibles for ER visits are usually higher than for urgent care.

When to Choose Immediate Care of Oklahoma:
● Mild to moderate allergic reactions (hives, mild swelling, itching)
● New or unexplained rashes
● Reactions that do not involve breathing difficulty or swelling of the face/throat
● Our clinics are equipped to deliver fast relief and professional care, helping you avoid the high costs and long waits of the ER for non-emergencies.

When to Go to the ER:
● Difficulty breathing or swallowing
● Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
● Chest tightness, fainting, or severe dizziness
● These symptoms may indicate a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and require emergency care.

Not sure where to go? Call your nearest Immediate Care of Oklahoma clinic, and our staff will help you determine the best place for your care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Edmond OK, Norman (24th) OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Tecumseh OK, West Moore OK, I-240 and Sooner RD OK, and Yukon OK.