What Patient First is and when to use it

Patient First is an urgent care chain operating in multiple states along the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic region. It is not an emergency room — it treats injuries and illnesses that need care today but are not life-threatening. Patient First locations stay open extended hours, including evenings and weekends, which is why it appears in after-hours care options.

Use Patient First for things like sprains, minor cuts, ear infections, sore throats, flu symptoms, or urinary tract infections. Do not go to Patient First if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or any symptom that feels like an emergency. Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency department for those situations.

Patient First is a for-profit business, not a government program. You pay out of pocket, through insurance, or through a payment plan they offer. The cost and what your insurance covers depend on your plan and the services you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • Patient First treats urgent but non-emergency conditions and operates extended hours in East Coast and Mid-Atlantic states.
  • You do not need an appointment — walk-in visits are standard, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • Bring your insurance card if you have one, a photo ID, and any medical records related to your condition.
  • Payment is due at the time of visit; Patient First accepts most major insurance plans and offers payment plans for uninsured patients.
  • If your condition worsens or does not improve after a visit, follow up with your primary care doctor or return to urgent care.

How to find a Patient First location near you

Patient First has locations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. You can find the nearest clinic by visiting their website and entering your zip code, or by calling their main line to confirm hours and current wait times.

Hours vary by location. Most Patient First clinics open in the early morning and stay open until 9 or 10 p.m. Some locations are open on Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead or check online before you go, especially if you are planning to visit outside typical business hours, because not every location has the same schedule.

What to bring and what happens when you arrive

Bring a photo ID and your insurance card if you have one. If you are being treated for an ongoing condition, bring any recent medical records or a list of medications you take. Patient First will ask you to fill out a health history form when you arrive.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-in patients are seen in the order they arrive, though the clinic may prioritize based on the urgency of your condition. Wait times range from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on how busy the location is and what time you visit. Evenings and weekends tend to be busier than weekday mornings.

A nurse will take your vital signs and ask about your symptoms. A physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner will then examine you, order tests if needed (such as X-rays or blood work), and discuss treatment options with you.

Cost and payment at Patient First

Patient First charges a visit fee plus any additional costs for tests, imaging, or procedures. The exact amount depends on what services you receive. If you have insurance, Patient First will bill your plan directly. You may owe a copay, coinsurance, or deductible depending on your plan's terms.

If you do not have insurance, ask about Patient First's payment plan options when you check in. Many locations offer monthly payment arrangements for uninsured patients. Some clinics also participate in programs that reduce costs for low-income patients, though this varies by location.

Request an itemized bill before you leave if you want to understand what you are being charged for. You can also ask the front desk about the typical cost of your visit type before you are seen.

What Patient First can and cannot treat

Patient First can treat minor injuries (sprains, small cuts, minor burns), common infections (strep throat, urinary tract infections, ear infections), cold and flu symptoms, minor allergic reactions, and minor skin conditions. They can perform X-rays, basic lab work, and minor wound care on site.

Patient First cannot admit you to a hospital, perform surgery, or treat serious injuries or illnesses. They also cannot prescribe controlled substances for pain management in most cases, though they can prescribe antibiotics and other common medications. If your condition requires hospitalization or specialist care, Patient First will refer you to a hospital or specialist and may help arrange transport if needed.

After your Patient First visit

Patient First will give you a summary of your visit, any prescriptions, and instructions for follow-up care. If you were prescribed medication, you can fill it at any pharmacy. If you need imaging or lab results, ask how and when you will receive them — some results are available the same day, others take a few days.

Follow the care instructions you were given. If your symptoms do not improve within the timeframe the provider mentioned, or if they get worse, contact your primary care doctor or return to Patient First. Do not ignore worsening symptoms in the hope they will resolve on their own.

If you have ongoing health concerns, use your Patient First visit as a starting point to connect with a primary care doctor. Patient First is designed for urgent, when ready needs, not long-term care management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance to go to Patient First?

No. Patient First accepts uninsured patients and offers payment plans. If you do not have insurance, tell the front desk when you check in so they can explain your payment options and any programs that might reduce your cost.

Can I call ahead to reduce my wait time?

Patient First does not take reservations, but you can call your nearest location to ask about current wait times before you go. Some locations use online check-in systems that let you join the queue remotely, though this varies by clinic.

Will Patient First send records to my doctor?

Yes, if you ask. Tell the staff before you leave that you want your visit summary and any test results sent to your primary care doctor. Provide your doctor's name, office address, and fax number. It may take a few business days for records to be transferred.

What if I cannot pay my bill right away?

Ask about payment plans when you check out. Patient First offers monthly payment options for patients who cannot pay in full. If you are uninsured and have financial hardship, ask whether the location participates in any charity care or sliding scale programs.

Is Patient First the same as an emergency room?

No. Patient First handles urgent but non-emergency care. Emergency rooms treat life-threatening conditions and have more advanced equipment and specialists. If you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.