Question 1

How much does urgent care cost without insurance in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

A basic self-pay urgent care visit in St. Johns County typically costs $125 to $200 in 2026, with many clinics posting a flat rate around $150. Tests and procedures add to that: rapid strep, flu, or COVID tests are usually $25 to $75 each, X-rays $75 to $200, and stitches $200 to $500 depending on the wound. A freestanding emergency room, by contrast, usually bills $800 to $3,000 or more for a similar visit. Ask for the price before you register.

Question 2

When should I go to urgent care instead of the ER in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Go to urgent care for colds, flu, strep, ear and sinus infections, urinary infections, rashes, minor cuts needing stitches, sprains, and simple fractures of fingers, toes, or wrists. Go to an emergency room for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, head injuries with confusion, severe abdominal pain, serious burns, or any emergency in an infant. UF Health Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine and Baptist South near Julington Creek are the closest full hospitals for most residents. When unsure, call 911.

Question 3

What is the difference between urgent care and a freestanding emergency room?

Accepted Answer

A freestanding emergency room is a hospital emergency department located away from the main hospital, staffed by emergency physicians and billed at ER rates including a facility fee. Urgent care clinics treat lower-acuity problems at a fraction of the cost. St. Johns County has freestanding ERs in the northern part of the county that sit near urgent cares and look similar from the road. Florida law requires freestanding ERs to disclose that they are emergency departments and charge emergency rates, so look for that notice.

Question 4

Can urgent care do stitches and X-rays?

Accepted Answer

Most full-service urgent care clinics in St. Johns County can close simple lacerations with stitches, staples, or skin glue, take X-rays, and splint simple fractures and sprains. Smaller clinics and some retail health clinics inside pharmacies cannot. Deep wounds involving tendons, wounds on the face in children, and fractures that are displaced or open usually need an emergency room or a specialist. Call ahead and describe the injury so the clinic can tell you whether to come in.

Question 5

Do urgent care clinics in St. Johns County see children?

Accepted Answer

Most general urgent cares see children, though many set a minimum age, commonly 6 months to 2 years, and some will not treat infants under 3 months, who should be seen at an emergency room for fever. A limited number of pediatric-focused urgent cares serve the county and southern Duval. Your child's own pediatric practice may also hold evening or weekend sick slots, which is usually the cheapest and most consistent option. Call before you drive.

Question 6

Can urgent care prescribe antibiotics and refill my medications?

Accepted Answer

Urgent care providers can prescribe antibiotics and most short-course medications when they are medically appropriate, and many will write a short bridge refill of a routine maintenance medication if you have run out and cannot reach your regular doctor. They generally will not prescribe controlled substances for ongoing pain or ADHD, and they will not take over long-term management of chronic conditions. Bring a list of your current medications and your pharmacy information.

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