The Walk-In Clinic

A phone conversation with my mom:

Me: Mom, I’m sick.

Mom: Did you call the doctor?

Me: Yes, but she can’t see me for two days!

Mom: Well, I’m sure Chicago has walk-in clinics.

Silence.

Mom: They have nurses that can prescribe medicine for minor illnesses – some of them accept insurance policies, too. And if you really need to see a doctor, they’ll make sure it happens.

Me: It’s not going to be like the health services at college, is it? They always gave out two Advil and saline packets no matter the ailment.

Mom: I think you survived those four years just fine.

Me: Okay, I’m going to Google it. I’ll let you know what happens.

An hour later I was nervously on my way to a Minute Clinic inside of a CVS.  I felt like I was going to the fast-food of doctor’s offices and had absolutely no idea what to expect. All sorts of questions were going through my head. What if it’s dirty? Is it going to be crowded? What if they don’t take my insurance? What am I supposed to do once I get there – do I tell the cashier I’m here to see a nurse?

As it turns out, there was really no reason to be nervous. There were two offices at the back of the store (very appropriately labeled). I signed in on a computer and then was directed into one of the offices by a nurse – who, ironically enough, was an alumna of my college. She took all of my insurance information, asked for my symptoms, did a few tests, handed me a prescription, and, just like that, I was on my way home.  It was great.

While I’ll always prefer going to my actual doctor’s office, the beauty of the walk-in clinic remains – it’s convenient. There’s no appointment needed and it’s open in the evenings and on weekends. I will definitely go back if I’m in a pinch.

Therefore, I would like to open up this topic for discussion. What are your thoughts on walk-in clinics?

-Mary

  Have you ever been to a walk-in clinic?