Fast Pace Urgent Care offers a network of clinics for immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, serving as an accessible alternative to a hospital emergency room. For individuals without health insurance, the cost of a visit is a major concern. Understanding the self-pay fee structure is necessary for managing healthcare costs, as the final price combines the basic visit fee and any additional services required.
The Standard Self-Pay Fee Structure
Fast Pace Urgent Care utilizes the Simple Self-Pay Program, a transparent, bundled pricing model for uninsured patients. This program establishes a single, upfront office visit fee for urgent care or primary care services. The established rate for a standard self-pay urgent care visit is $155.
This fixed fee covers the fundamental aspects of the visit, including the physical examination and consultation with a healthcare provider. The bundled price prevents unexpected charges for routine in-clinic services. This structure replaces the complex tiered billing system often used for insured patients.
The $155 base rate is highly inclusive, encompassing a wide array of services performed in-house. The fee often covers basic in-house tests, common injections, and X-rays. This bundling means a patient needing an X-ray for a simple fracture or an in-house lab test for a minor infection may pay only the initial $155 fee.
Pricing for Diagnostic Services and Procedures
The total bill can increase with certain specialized diagnostic services and procedures, even though the $155 self-pay fee is broad. The fee covers basic in-house tests, but higher-level pathology or specialized panels are generally excluded. For example, the bundled rate does not cover specific respiratory illness testing, such as COVID-19 and Flu testing, which require an additional fee.
The use of outside laboratory services for complex blood work or cultures is the most significant factor escalating the total cost. When a specimen is sent to an external, third-party lab for specialized analysis, the patient receives a separate bill from that laboratory. This external billing is independent of Fast Pace’s self-pay program and can lead to substantially higher charges.
The self-pay program covers minor procedures like simple laceration repair and abscess drainage, which are often included in the initial visit charge. Highly complex wound care or specialized durable medical equipment, such as splints or braces, may incur an additional charge. Patients should inquire about a “Good Faith Estimate” before proceeding with services not covered by the base fee. This estimate provides an itemized projection of the total costs.
Payment Assistance and Out-of-Pocket Discounts
Fast Pace Health provides several mechanisms to help uninsured patients manage their financial obligation. The Simple Self-Pay Program is the primary form of assistance, offering a competitive and transparent rate compared to standard medical billing. Even with a flat fee, patients may seek ways to reduce the cost or manage the payment timeline.
Prompt-Pay Discounts
A prompt-pay discount is common in healthcare, offering a percentage reduction if the patient pays the entire bill at the time of service. Although the specific percentage discount for Fast Pace’s $155 fee is not publicly listed, patients should ask the front desk staff if a prompt-pay reduction is available before submitting payment.
Payment Arrangements
If a patient cannot pay the entire amount upfront, they can inquire about payment arrangements or installment plans. Many urgent care providers offer flexible billing options that allow patients to pay off their balance over a set period. These arrangements are typically managed through the clinic’s billing department, and initiating communication is the first step to establishing an affordable repayment schedule.