Frequently asked questions

Your insurance company negotiates rates with providers, such as VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care, on behalf of its members. These rates are intended to reflect the value provided to patients. Factors may include provider quality, accessibility and the overall patient experience.

For urgent care services at VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care, being in network means we have a contract with your insurance company that establishes agreed-upon rates for the services you receive. Out of network means we do not have a contract with your insurance company, which may result in different billing rates based on your insurance plan and benefits.

Yes. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Emergency & Urgent Care is a fully licensed emergency room. During urgent care hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., patients may receive courtesy Urgent care billing if a medical provider determines that Urgent care services are appropriate.

Billing classification, emergency room or urgent care, is determined based on the resources used during your visit. Patients are informed of their billing classification before discharge.

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, distinguish between first-time visits and follow-up visits in an office or urgent care setting. A new patient visit is typically reimbursed at a higher rate than a follow-up visit because additional information and documentation are required to establish a patient’s record.

An established patient is someone who has been seen at the same office or urgent care location within the past three years. Visits for established patients are typically billed at a lower rate than new patient visits.

An explanation of benefits, or EOB, is a statement from your insurance company that explains what services are covered under your policy and the associated charges. It is not a bill. Instead, it is a communication from your insurance company that outlines how your claim was processed.

Your EOB may not match your final bill from VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care.

Visit our insurance and billing page for additional information.

An emergency room treats illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention, such as chest pain, abdominal pain, dehydration or complex fractures.

Urgent care typically treats acute and chronic illnesses and non-life-threatening injuries, including the common cold, flu, strep throat, lacerations and other minor conditions.

VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care is in-network with most major insurance plans. Check your insurance company’s provider directory to confirm coverage under your plan.

Urgent care typically treats conditions that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Think of urgent care as the type of care you would receive at a doctor’s office, without an appointment.

Yes. Our emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Urgent care services are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Yes. We accept walk-ins at both of our locations.

During your visit to VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care, our care team will evaluate your condition, listen to your concerns and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you have questions or concerns, our team is here to help.

No. We are in network with most major insurance carriers. If you need care and do not have time to schedule an appointment elsewhere, you can visit us for treatment.

With VMFH Emergency & Urgent Care, you do not have to decide where to go. We offer both services in one location. Our team listens to your concerns, evaluates your symptoms and recommends the care needed to help you feel better and return to your normal activities.

Urgent care services do not typically include IV fluids, but emergency services do. Our team has the equipment needed to provide timely treatment based on the level of care you need.

Yes. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and urgent care is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Yes. You can visit our Pay Your Bill page to make a secure online payment.

Urgent care services do not typically include EKG testing, but emergency services do. Our team has the equipment needed to provide timely care when needed.

Overall, patients are seen on a first come, first served basis. However, if someone has a medical emergency, such as chest pain, active vomiting or signs of a stroke, they are treated immediately.