After-Hours Care: Why Urgent Care Beats Waiting for Your Primary Doctor

You come down with a sore throat on a Saturday. Your child takes a spill after dinner. Or maybe you start feeling off late in the evening — but your primary care doctor’s office is closed.

So what do you do?

For non-emergency issues, urgent care centers like Lincoln Urgent Care offer a faster, more accessible option. With after-hours and weekend availability, urgent care helps you get the care you need — without the ER or a long wait for a primary care appointment.

Why After-Hours Access Matters

Your health concerns don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule — and neither do we.

Lincoln Urgent Care offers care beyond traditional office hours, making it ideal for:

1. Illnesses or injuries that happen in the evening
2. Health issues that pop up over the weekend
3. Situations where same-day primary care appointments aren’t available
4. Avoiding missed work or school

Even if your condition isn’t serious, you shouldn’t have to wait days to be seen.

Faster Than a Doctor’s Office, Safer Than the ER

Here’s how urgent care compares to other options for non-life-threatening health needs:

Urgent care fills the critical gap between your doctor and the emergency room — quickly and affordably.

Common After-Hours Needs Treated at Urgent Care

We regularly see patients for after-hours care related to:

1. Cold and flu symptoms
2. Coughs, congestion, and sore throats
3. Minor sprains or strains
4. Cuts, scrapes, and minor burns
5. COVID-19 testing
6. Work-related injuries or occupational medicine needs

For a full list of what we treat, check out our FAQ page.

No Appointment Needed — Just Walk In

One of the best things about urgent care? You don’t need an appointment.

Whether it’s a weekday evening or a Saturday morning, you can walk into Lincoln Urgent Care and be seen by one of our licensed providers. To save time, complete your patient forms ahead of time.

Designed for Convenience

We know your time matters — that’s why everything we do is built around access and efficiency. At Lincoln Urgent Care, you’ll find:

1. Walk-in availability
2. Shorter wait times
3. On-site diagnostic radiology
4. Insurance-friendly billing
5. Compassionate, local care

Learn more about our clinic and values on our about page.

Hear from Our Community

Want to know what to expect? Check out real patient reviews and see why we’re a trusted resource for urgent care in Lincoln, RI.

Need care after hours?
Skip the wait. Contact Lincoln Urgent Care or just walk in — we’re here when you need us.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.

Do Urgent Cares Take Insurance? What to Know Before You Go

When an unexpected health concern pops up, urgent care is often the fastest and most convenient option — but many patients have the same question: Do urgent cares take insurance?

The short answer is: yes, most urgent care centers accept a wide range of insurance plans. But there are still a few important things to know before you walk in.

At Lincoln Urgent Care, we aim to make your visit as smooth and transparent as possible. Here’s what Rhode Island patients should know about urgent care billing, insurance coverage, and payment options.

What Types of Insurance Do Urgent Cares Accept?

Most urgent care centers — including ours — accept a variety of commercial insurance plans, as well as some government-sponsored plans. These may include:

1. Major private insurance carriers (Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, etc.)
2. Medicare
3. Medicaid (coverage and availability may vary by location)

It’s always a good idea to contact the clinic directly or check your provider’s website to confirm insurance acceptance. You can also review our FAQ page for common insurance questions.

What Happens If You’re Out of Network?

Even if the urgent care center is not in-network, you can still be seen — but you may pay a higher out-of-pocket cost. Urgent care visits are generally more affordable than emergency room visits, even when out of network.

Tip: Call your insurance provider or log into your insurance portal before your visit to check your urgent care benefits and cost-sharing amounts.

Copays and Out-of-Pocket Costs

Your total cost at urgent care depends on several factors:

1. Your insurance plan’s copay for urgent care visits
2. Whether services like X-rays or lab tests are needed
3. If you’re in- or out-of-network
4. Any unmet deductible

Many plans have a flat urgent care copay that’s clearly listed on your insurance card. For added clarity, our team is happy to walk you through costs when you arrive.

What If You Don’t Have Insurance?

If you don’t currently have health insurance, Lincoln Urgent Care still welcomes walk-ins. Many patients choose urgent care because it’s more affordable than the ER, even when paying out of pocket.

To learn more about self-pay options, you can contact us directly or speak with our front desk upon arrival.

How to Prepare for Your Visit

To make your visit quicker and more efficient, bring the following:

1. A valid photo ID
2. Your insurance card
3. A payment method for your copay or self-pay fee
4. Any referral or authorization your insurer may require

You can also complete forms ahead of time using our patient forms page.

Why Choose Lincoln Urgent Care?

Whether you’re insured, uninsured, or unsure about your coverage, Lincoln Urgent Care provides fast, compassionate service with transparent billing. Our experienced providers, convenient hours, and friendly staff make us a trusted choice for care in northern Rhode Island.

Helpful Resources

1. About Our Clinic
2. Patient Reviews
3. COVID-19 Testing Information
4. Occupational Medicine Services

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Coverage and payment details vary by plan. Please consult your insurer or urgent care provider directly for current billing information.

Tick-borne illnesses are infections transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. These tiny arachnids are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, and can transmit various diseases such a Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis, among others. It’s important to take precautions to avoid tick bites and know when to seek medical care if needed.

To avoid tick bites, here are some helpful tips.

1. Wear protective clothing: When venturing into tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin.
2. Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing, following the instructions on the label. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
3. Perform regular tick checks: After spending time outdoors, carefully inspect your body, clothing, and gear for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, and groin.
4. Create a tick-safe zone: Keep your yard tidy by regularly mowing the lawn, removing leaf litter, and creating a barrier between wooded areas and recreational spaces.
5. Treat clothing and gear: Consider treating clothing, camping gear, and other outdoor equipment with a product containing permethrin, which can repel and kill ticks.

If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to know when to seek medical care.

1. Early symptoms: If you develop a fever, rash, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or other flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of a tick bite, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
2. Known tick exposure: If you’ve been in a tick habitat and have removed an attached tick, it’s worth seeking medical advice to discuss potential risks and appropriate preventative measures.
3. Unexplained symptoms: If you experience unexplained symptoms or have concerns about tick-borne diseases, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.

Remember, early detection and treatment of tick-borne illnesses are crucial to prevent complications. Stay vigilant, take preventive measures, and seek medical care promptly if needed.