They both serve the purpose of treating patients for minor to moderate emergencies without having to make an appointment to be seen. Urgent care clinics are like walk-in clinics but with enhanced medical capabilities. 70% of all ER visits can be taken care of in an urgent care medical center.
When do I use an urgent care versus an emergency room?
If you are having chest pain, feel faint, or have severe shortness of breath, then you should directly go to the emergency room. Seventy percent of most ER visits can be handled in an urgent care setting. This includes most sport injuries, lacerations, coughs, colds, rashes, eye emergencies, ear aches, sore throats, and most other common illnesses.
Will my insurance pay for urgent care visits?
Most insurance companies do cover urgent care visits, but we recommend you consult with your insurance company for more information. Many insurance companies require co-pays, which should be listed on your insurance card. If your co-pay is not listed, our urgent care staff will not collect a payment at your time of service. You will receive a bill from Sand Canyon Urgent Care for any outstanding balance due.
What insurance do you accept?
We have contracts with many PPO and HMO providers. Please visit our Insurance Info Page for a comprehensive list.
How long will I have to wait?
Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis and depending on the severity of the illness or injury. We do our very best to get you in and out, door to door, within an hour. Some patients are brought to our urgent care with serious medical problems and may need to be seen immediately for treatment. Some patients are in the waiting room for lab tests or X-rays and are not there to be seen by the doctor.
I’m a new patient. What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring photo ID and your insurance card. Please visit our Insurance Info page for accepted insurances and forms you can complete prior to your arrival to expedite check-in.
What if I need a lab test or an X-ray?
If the physician orders a lab test or X-ray, our technicians can perform the tests while you wait. Some lab tests are performed on-site and others may take more than one day to be reviewed. After the tests have been reviewed, our physicians will call you with the results.
What if I need to see a specialist?
If the physician feels you need to see a specialist right away, such as an orthopedist, our staff will assist you in making the necessary arrangements. If applicable, we will provide an electronic copy of your x-rays to take with you.
Where is SCUC in Irvine located, and what are your hours?
Irvine Location
15775 Laguna Canyon Rd
Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92618
Our Irvine urgent care walk-in clinic is open:
Mon-Friday – 8am to 8pm
Saturday – 9am to 5pm
Sunday – 11am to 5pm
Where SCUC in Laguna Hills located, and what are your hours?
Laguna Hills Location
23521 Paseo De Valencia
Suite 101
Laguna Hills CA, 92653
Our urgent care walk-in clinic is open:
Mon – Fri: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Sun: Closed