Summit Health Urgent Care Centers: walk in to get care for illnesses, injuries, on-site imaging, lab services and connections to specialists. 

When illness or injury can’t wait—but you don’t quite need the emergency room—Summit Health and Westmed Urgent Care Centers (UCC) offer a faster, more reliable alternative for non-life-threatening emergencies in both adults and children. 

“We’re not a typical walk-in clinic,” says Anita Singh, MD, emergency medicine physician at Summit Health. “Our urgent care centers are high-acuity facilities designed to evaluate and treat more complex conditions, right on site making it faster and more convenient for patients of all ages who need care right away.” 

“Patients are often surprised by the level of care we can provide in an urgent care setting,” adds Jason Shuker, MD, emergency medicine physician at Westmed. “With imaging and lab services under one roof, we can evaluate conditions like abdominal pain, kidney stones, more significant fractures and complications of chronic illness. That capability is what separates high-acuity urgent care from a typical walk-in center.”

What is urgent care? 

Urgent care is designed for medical issues that need prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening. 

“It fills the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency department,” Dr. Singh explains. “If you need to be seen today for a new illness or injury, urgent care is often the right choice.”

Unlike the ER, urgent care is not meant for severe trauma, stroke symptoms or major cardiac emergencies. But Summit Health’s UCCs also go beyond the basics.

“Our role is to manage urgent problems that can’t wait several days for a primary care appointment,” Dr. Shuker adds. “At the same time, we help patients avoid unnecessary ER visits when hospital-level care isn’t required.”

Summit Health Urgent Care Centers provide: 

• High-acuity care with diagnostic capabilities.
• Quality, same-day care for adults and children
• On-site lab and imaging, including X-ray, ultrasound and CT scans.
• Most locations are open 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends and holidays. To view the hours at a UCC location near you, click here.
• Care is connected to a network of primary care providers and specialists through the Summit Health electronic medical record.
• Quick, high-quality care for patients with acute conditions or compromised immunity who can’t wait for an office visit

“Our urgent care centers are connected to a broader network of primary care physicians and specialists,” Dr. Singh explains. “If you need follow-up care, referrals happen quickly and efficiently within the Summit Health system so there is no delay in your ongoing care.”

What we treat 

Injuries
Sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, minor fractures, sports injuries, minor burns and other minor injuries should be checked right away. 

“We can suture lacerations, splint fractures and treat many injuries people assume require the ER,” Dr. Shuker says. 

Illnesses
Colds, coughs, sore throats, seasonal allergies, nasal congestion, ear infections, respiratory illness (like COVID-19 and flu), abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, sinus pain and much more. 

“Rapid testing allows us to diagnose and begin treatment during the same visit,” Dr. Singh notes. 

Women’s health
Evaluation and treatment for infections, urinary symptoms and other urgent concerns. 

Lab tests & screenings
Walk in for diagnostic tests and screenings—with quick results. 

Vaccinations
From seasonal flu shots to tetanus boosters (when needed), we help keep you protected.

What to expect during your visit  

Urgent care centers function as a bridge between a physician’s office and an ER.

When you arrive, you’ll register with your insurance card and ID. A clinical team member will check your vital signs and escort you to a private area for evaluation.

“If you come in with more complex symptoms like chest or abdominal pain, your evaluation may take longer,” Dr. Singh says. “In some cases, additional imaging or monitoring is required to make sure we’re making the safest decision for you.”

“Our priority is always patient safety,” Dr. Shuker adds. “If someone needs hospital-level care, we stabilize them and coordinate transportation to the ER for advanced care.”

When should you see your primary care physician instead? 

Urgent care is not a replacement for ongoing primary care. 

“For annual exams, preventive screenings like mammograms or Pap smears, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or COPD, your primary care physician should remain your first stop,” Dr. Singh emphasizes. 

Urgent care is ideal for new or sudden concerns, especially when your doctor’s office is closed. 

“If you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke or other life-threatening symptoms, go directly to the nearest emergency room,” Dr. Shuker advises.

Do you see pediatric patients? 

Yes, we evaluate children of all ages, including newborns.

“When your pediatrician isn’t available, there is no need to wait to be evaluated. Our physicians are trained in pediatric emergency care and treatment,” adds Dr. Singh. 

To learn more and find a UCC location, click here.