What CityMD is and when to use it
CityMD is a chain of walk-in urgent care clinics operating in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. You do not need an appointment — you arrive, check in, and wait to see a provider. CityMD treats injuries and illnesses that need care today but are not life-threatening: sprains, minor cuts, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and similar conditions. If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or signs of stroke, call 911 instead.
CityMD clinics are typically open early morning through evening, seven days a week, though hours vary by location. They accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states, and offer self-pay options for uninsured patients. The main advantage over a traditional doctor's office is speed — you can usually be seen within 30 to 60 minutes, and the visit itself takes 15 to 30 minutes for most conditions.
CityMD is not a replacement for a primary care doctor. If you have an ongoing condition or need preventive care, you still need a regular physician. CityMD handles the urgent problem in front of you right now.
Key Takeaways
- CityMD operates walk-in urgent care clinics in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania with no appointment needed.
- Most insurance plans are accepted, and the clinic can tell you your out-of-pocket cost before you see a provider.
- Typical wait times are 30 to 60 minutes, and the visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- CityMD can order lab tests and X-rays on-site, write prescriptions, and provide basic wound care, but cannot admit you to a hospital.
- If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 — do not go to CityMD.
Finding a CityMD location and checking hours
CityMD has over 150 locations across its three states. The fastest way to find the nearest clinic is to visit the CityMD website and use the location finder, which shows addresses, phone numbers, and current hours. Many locations are in or near subway stations and busy commercial areas for accessibility.
Hours vary significantly by location. Some clinics open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.; others have different schedules. Before you go, call the specific location or check online to confirm they are open. This is especially important on holidays, when some clinics may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.
If you are not sure whether CityMD is the right choice for your condition, you can call ahead and describe your symptoms. The staff can tell you whether they can treat it or whether you should go to an emergency room instead.
What to bring and how to check in
Bring a photo ID and your insurance card if you have one. If you do not have insurance, CityMD will still see you and can discuss payment options before or after your visit. Bring any recent medical records or a list of current medications if you have them, though this is not required.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk. The staff will ask for your name, date of birth, address, and insurance information. They will also ask about your symptoms and medical history. This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. After check-in, you will wait in the waiting room until a provider is available.
CityMD uses an electronic check-in system at most locations, which means you may be able to start the paperwork on your phone before you arrive. Check the website for your specific location to see if this option is available.
What happens during your visit
A nurse or medical assistant will call you back first to take your vital signs — blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen level. They will also ask more detailed questions about your symptoms and when they started. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Then you will see a provider, usually a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. They will examine you, ask follow-up questions, and decide what tests or treatments you need. For a sore throat, they might do a rapid strep test. For a sprained ankle, they might order an X-ray. For a urinary tract infection, they might order a urine test. Most of these tests are done on-site and results come back within 15 to 30 minutes.
If the provider prescribes medication, they will send it electronically to a pharmacy of your choice, or you can pick up a paper prescription to take elsewhere. CityMD does not dispense medications on-site at most locations. If you need a referral to a specialist or follow-up care, the provider will give you that information before you leave.
Cost and insurance
CityMD accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Empire, Humana, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage varies by plan and state. Before your visit, you can call the clinic or use the CityMD website to check whether your specific plan is accepted.
If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's copay, deductible, and coinsurance. CityMD can often tell you your estimated cost before you see a provider. Ask at check-in if you want this information.
If you do not have insurance, CityMD offers self-pay rates that are typically lower than an emergency room visit. Rates vary by location and service but generally range from $150 to $300 for a basic visit. Lab tests and X-rays cost extra. You can ask about payment plans or discounts at check-in.
After your visit, you will receive a bill from CityMD. If you have insurance, CityMD will bill your insurance first, and you will be responsible for any remaining balance. Keep your receipt and any paperwork for your records.
When CityMD is not the right choice
CityMD cannot admit you to a hospital, perform surgery, or provide emergency resuscitation. If you have a life-threatening condition — chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of stroke, loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reaction — call 911 or go to an emergency room instead.
CityMD also cannot treat certain conditions that require ongoing care or specialist equipment. If you are pregnant and have complications, if you have severe burns, if you have a suspected broken bone that needs surgery, or if you have a psychiatric emergency, an emergency room is the appropriate place.
For chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, you need a primary care doctor who knows your full medical history and can monitor you over time. CityMD can treat an acute flare-up, but not manage the condition itself.
After your CityMD visit
Before you leave, ask the provider when you should follow up with your primary care doctor, if at all. For minor conditions like a cold or mild sprain, you may not need follow-up. For something more serious, like a confirmed urinary tract infection or a significant sprain, your provider will tell you to see your regular doctor within a few days or a week.
Keep any paperwork or discharge instructions the clinic gives you. 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 CityMD.
CityMD records are kept in their system. If you return to the same location, the provider will have access to your previous visit. If you go to a different CityMD location, records may not transfer automatically, so mention your previous visit to the new provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at CityMD?
No. CityMD is a walk-in clinic. You can arrive anytime during operating hours without calling ahead. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times if you want to know what to expect.
What if I do not have insurance?
CityMD will still see you and bill you directly. Self-pay rates are typically $150 to $300 for a basic visit, plus additional charges for tests or X-rays. Ask about payment plans or discounts at check-in.
Can CityMD prescribe antibiotics?
Yes. If the provider determines you have a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics, they can prescribe them. The prescription is sent to a pharmacy of your choice, or you can take a paper prescription elsewhere.
How long does a CityMD visit usually take?
Wait time is typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the clinic is. The actual visit with a provider usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Total time from arrival to leaving is often one to two hours.
Will CityMD send records to my primary care doctor?
You can request that CityMD send your visit summary to your primary care doctor. Ask the staff before you leave, or call the clinic after your visit to make this request. Provide your doctor's name and contact information.