I've been to two different urgent care clinics where I or my kids have gotten a strep culture, and my insurance (BCBS Federal) was accepted there but instead of my regular $25 copay, the charge for urgent care was $50. Not a huge bill, but more than if I'd seen my regular doctor on a weekday.

Anonymous wrote:There are tons of urgent care facilities and most accept a wide variety of insurance. I've found that with the Urgent Care, no one cares why you go, so long as it isn't for a physical. The co-pay is slightly higher than a regular office visit, but nothing major. I wouldn't wait.

Ok that's good to know.

And yes I've found all urgent cares/minute clinics on Aetna's website so I know where to go.

Thanks. I feel like Aetna would be more inclined to cover services at a MinuteClinic over an Urgent care. Sore throat just doesn't sound urgent but seeing white spots = makes me think strep = not okay for a baby.

I'm always nervous with insurance! Thanks all.

There are tons of urgent care facilities and most accept a wide variety of insurance. I've found that with the Urgent Care, no one cares why you go, so long as it isn't for a physical. The co-pay is slightly higher than a regular office visit, but nothing major. I wouldn't wait.

Should have added that Minute Clinc or Take Care Clinic at Walgreens do throat cultures. Also you can go to either of their websites and see which insurance they accept.

Call minute clinic and ask if they take your insurance. Go there. Or just go online and look up urgent care on Aetna's participating providers list.

CVS minute clinic? Do you happen to know if they do throat cultures? I know calling won't help.. have called there before and THEY DO NOT ANSWER THEIR PHONES.

Go to a cvs. Not an emergency charge. Just a copay

They are only open Monday-Friday.

Call Aetna and ask them.

We have the Federal Aetna plan and I have a sore throat (white spots) that I think we should deal with NOW since I have a newborn at home.

My question is, will going to an urgent care facility be covered? It's not technically an emergency but is this a reason to go to urgent care? Plus tomorrow I am going out of town for a week long trip. I know they would cover urgent care for out-of-area service but I'm worried they won't cover it since I'm still in the DC area.

I just don't want a huge bill.