What Patient First Does and Who Can Walk In

Patient First is a chain of urgent care centers across the United States that treats injuries and illnesses that need care today but are not life-threatening emergencies. You do not need an appointment — you walk in during operating hours, and staff see patients in the order they arrive. Patient First handles things like sprains, cuts that need stitches, ear infections, sore throats, minor burns, and flu-like symptoms.

Any person can walk into a Patient First location. You do not need to be a current patient, have insurance, or live in the area. If you have insurance, bring your card. If you do not, Patient First will still treat you and discuss payment options after your visit.

Patient First operates in multiple states, with locations concentrated on the East Coast and expanding westward. Hours vary by location but most are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. You can find your nearest center and its hours on the Patient First website or by calling ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Patient First is a walk-in urgent care chain that treats injuries and illnesses the same day without requiring an appointment or prior relationship with the center.
  • You should bring your insurance card if you have one, a photo ID, and any medical records from other providers if they are available.
  • Wait times depend on how busy the location is and the complexity of cases ahead of you, so arriving early in the day or on weekdays typically means shorter waits.
  • Patient First can order X-rays, lab tests, and EKGs on-site, and can prescribe medications, but cannot admit you to a hospital or perform surgery.
  • If your condition turns out to be a medical emergency, Patient First staff will direct you to the nearest emergency room instead of treating you there.

What to Bring and How to Register When You Arrive

Bring a photo ID and your insurance card if you have one. If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present. If you have medical records from another doctor — especially recent test results or a list of medications you take — bring those too, though Patient First can contact your other providers if needed.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk. Staff will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and emergency contact. They will also ask about your reason for the visit and any allergies or current medications. This takes about five to ten minutes. After that, you wait in the waiting room until a nurse or medical assistant calls your name.

If you have insurance, Patient First will bill your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, ask about their cash-pay rates before or after your visit — many urgent care centers offer discounts for uninsured patients who pay out of pocket.

How Long You Will Wait and What Happens During Your Visit

Wait times at Patient First range from fifteen minutes to two hours, depending on how many patients are ahead of you and how complex their cases are. Weekday mornings and early afternoons typically have shorter waits than evenings or weekends. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times at your nearest location.

Once you are called back, a nurse or medical assistant will take your vital signs — blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate. They will also ask more detailed questions about your symptoms and when they started. Then a doctor or nurse practitioner will examine you, ask follow-up questions, and decide what tests or treatments you need.

Patient First can perform X-rays, EKGs, and blood or urine tests in-house and get results the same day. They can also prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and other common drugs. If you need a prescription, they can send it electronically to a pharmacy of your choice, or you can pick up a paper prescription to fill yourself.

When Patient First Will Send You to an Emergency Room Instead

Patient First is designed for urgent but not emergent care. If you arrive with signs of a heart attack, stroke, severe allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or other life-threatening symptoms, staff will not treat you there. Instead, they will call an ambulance or direct you to the nearest emergency room when ready.

Some conditions that seem urgent — like chest pain or severe abdominal pain — may require emergency room evaluation even if they turn out not to be life-threatening. Patient First staff will assess you and make that call. If they think you need the emergency room, they will explain why and help you get there.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of a Patient First visit depends on what you need. A basic visit with an exam and no tests costs less than a visit that includes X-rays or lab work. Prices also vary by location and state. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan — you may have a copay, a deductible, or coinsurance.

Patient First is in-network with many major insurance plans, but not all. Before your visit, you can call your insurance company or check their website to see if Patient First locations near you are covered. If Patient First is out-of-network, you will likely pay more out of pocket, though the center can still bill your insurance.

If you do not have insurance, ask Patient First about their uninsured rates when you check in. Many urgent care centers offer reduced prices for patients paying cash. Some also have payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

How Patient First Records Connect to Your Other Doctors

Patient First will create a medical record of your visit, including what you were treated for, what tests were done, and what medications were prescribed. This record stays with Patient First unless you ask them to send it elsewhere.

If you want your primary care doctor or another specialist to know about your visit, you can ask Patient First to send your records to them. This usually takes a few business days. You can also request a copy of your records for yourself — Patient First is required by law to provide this, though they may charge a small fee.

Patient First does not automatically share records with other providers, so if you see multiple doctors, it is your responsibility to tell each one about visits to urgent care. Keeping your primary care doctor informed helps them understand your full medical history.

What Happens After Your Visit

Before you leave, Patient First will give you a summary of what was done, what was found, and what medications were prescribed. They will also give you instructions for follow-up care — for example, keep the wound clean and dry, take the antibiotic for the full course even if you feel better, or see your primary care doctor within a week if symptoms do not improve.

If Patient First ordered tests like blood work or cultures that take time to process, they will tell you when results will be ready and how you will be notified. Some results come back the same day; others take a few days. Ask how you will hear the results — by phone, email, or patient portal.

If your condition does not improve after a few days, or if new symptoms develop, contact your primary care doctor or return to Patient First. Do not wait if symptoms get worse or you develop signs of a serious problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance to be seen at Patient First?

No. Patient First will treat you whether or not you have insurance. If you do not have insurance, you will pay out of pocket, and Patient First can discuss payment options with you. Bring your insurance card if you have one so they can bill your plan.

Can Patient First prescribe antibiotics or pain medication?

Yes. Patient First doctors and nurse practitioners can prescribe common medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-nausea drugs, and others. They can send prescriptions to a pharmacy electronically or give you a paper prescription to fill yourself.

What if I have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Tell the staff about any chronic conditions and medications you take when you check in. Patient First can treat acute problems on top of chronic conditions, but they are not set up for long-term disease management. Your primary care doctor should handle ongoing care for chronic conditions.

Can Patient First do stitches or remove something stuck in my skin?

Yes. Patient First can clean and stitch wounds, remove splinters or other foreign objects, and treat minor burns. They have the equipment and staff to handle these procedures in-house.

What if I need follow-up care after my Patient First visit?

Ask Patient First for a referral to a specialist if you need one, or contact your primary care doctor. Patient First can send your records to any doctor you choose. If you do not have a primary care doctor, Patient First staff can suggest local options or direct you to a community health center.