Independent, Chain or Hospital-Owned Urgent Care: How Ownership Changes What You Pay
Who owns an urgent care can change your bill. Here's what facility fees are, why hospital-owned clinics often cost more, and what to ask before your visit.
The same urgent care visit can cost very different amounts depending on who owns the clinic. Hospital-owned urgent cares may bill a separate facility fee on top of the provider's charge, and may be billed at hospital rates, which can raise what you owe even with insurance. Independent clinics usually charge one visit price. Before you go, ask whether there's a facility fee and what the self-pay price is.
Three kinds of urgent care
- Independent clinics are owned locally by physicians or a small group. AfterOurs is one: locally owned and operated in Denver since 2005.
- Chains and franchises operate many clinics under one brand, either company-owned or run by local franchise owners.
- Hospital-owned clinics are part of a hospital or health system and are often branded with the hospital's name.
All three can provide good care. Where they tend to differ is in how they bill.
What is a facility fee?
A facility fee is a charge for using the building, equipment and support staff, billed separately from the clinician's fee. Hospital-owned clinics are more likely to charge one, because they can bill as part of the hospital. It may show up as a second bill, and it often counts toward your deductible or coinsurance. For someone paying out of pocket or with a high-deductible plan, it can add a lot to the visit.
Why insurance doesn't erase the difference
Insurers pay different clinics different amounts for the same service, and hospital systems often negotiate higher rates. If you have a deductible or coinsurance, a higher contracted rate means a higher share for you. Urgent care copays are also usually lower than ER copays, but some plans treat a hospital-owned urgent care more like a hospital outpatient visit.
Questions to ask before you go
- Is there a facility fee, and how much is it?
- Is the clinic billed as part of a hospital?
- What's the self-pay price for a standard visit, and what makes it go up?
- Will tests, X-rays or procedures be billed separately?
- Is the clinic in network with my plan? (Check with your insurer too.)
How AfterOurs prices a visit
Our self-pay prices are posted before you come in:
- Standard visit: $175
- Visit with one moderate service, such as an X-ray or a breathing treatment: $250
- Procedure, or two moderate services: $330, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more
- Telehealth video visit: $75
We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. We can't guarantee a particular commercial plan has us in network; if it's out of network or the insurer denies the visit, we drop you to the self-pay rates. See the cost and insurance page, about AfterOurs, and our guide to choosing a walk-in clinic in Denver.
Don't let cost decide an emergency. Call 911 or go to the ER for chest pain or pressure, signs of a stroke, severe trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a serious injury, or a high fever in a baby under 3 months.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.