Healthcare costs are a growing issue in the United States, and understandably, many patients are concerned with balancing affordability and high-quality care. One of the simplest ways to save money on healthcare costs while still receiving professional care is to choose a locally owned independent urgent care clinic over large healthcare systems with many clinic locations. In this article, we’ll review why large organizations charge more and how choosing an independent clinic can save you money without sacrificing the quality of your care.

Why Do Large Healthcare Systems Cost More?

When it comes to large healthcare systems, convenience is key. Larger systems (such as Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanante, or CommonSpirit) have clinic locations across California, making them more accessible to residents. They may also offer a wider variety of services across their locations.

However, that convenience usually comes at a hefty price. Maintaining a large, complex system of clinics results in high overhead costs, which the clinic then passes on to you, the patient. Unfortunately, studies have also shown that these higher costs do not correlate with higher quality care. This means that as a patient, you’re paying more for the same quality of care that you could receive elsewhere for less. It also means that higher costs don’t necessarily translate into higher-quality care.

Corporate Ownership vs. Physician Ownership

Large healthcare systems are corporate-owned, meaning their primary decision-makers are typically not physicians. Instead, they’re usually business executives who are uninvolved in a clinic’s day-to-day operations and lack the knowledge or experience to make informed decisions about patient care. Large health systems also use their influence to negotiate with insurers to allow higher payments for services, and this additional cost is passed onto patients. These added fees can double or triple the cost of your care, with no difference in the quality of care received.

Physician-owned clinics like ours are helmed by experienced physicians who treat patients daily, understand their needs, and are committed to serving their community. Our smaller structure, low overhead, and commitment to patients over profits mean that we charge far less than large systems while still delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

Visiting Urgent Care Saves You Money at the ER

In addition to choosing a physician-owned practice, you can save money by visiting urgent care for non-life-threatening health concerns instead of the ER. Emergency rooms always bill more than urgent care clinics, and corporate-owned hospitals are likely to charge even more. You can visit urgent care for a wide variety of concerns, including fractures, wound care, concussions, burns, acute illness, and much more. We can also provide primary care services, such as vaccinations (including flu shots), medical second opinions, and specialist referrals.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing an Independent Urgent Care Clinic?

There are many additional benefits to choosing an independent, physician-owned clinic, including:

• More personalized care that centers on your needs. At physician-owned clinics, we’re deeply involved in creating treatment plans tailored to your needs, and we’re not obligated to follow a cookie-cutter approach to healthcare. We pay special attention to your medical history, lifestyle, and long-term health goals to ensure we’re offering you the best possible care, and we empower you to make the healthcare decisions that are right for you.

• Pricing transparency. Large systems often charge extra fees with a complex pricing structure that doesn’t inform you of what you’re actually paying for when you visit them. Worse, these extra costs often aren’t covered by your insurer, leaving you to pay out-of-pocket. As an independent clinic, we offer clear, transparent pricing and always let you know the upfront cost of your care. You’ll never receive a surprise bill, and we always strive to keep your costs as low as possible.

• More time with your doctor. Because independent clinics are owned by physicians, we prioritize time with our patients. We know from experience that taking the time to listen closely to your concerns, explain complex medical information clearly, and coordinate a treatment plan that works for you leads to better health outcomes. 

• Unbiased, merit-based specialist referrals. Physicians working in corporate-owned clinics are often required to refer to specialists within their organization’s network. At our clinics, we’re not obligated to refer to anyone except the specialist we believe has the expertise to treat you. We refer based on our physicians’ expert opinions and your individual needs, making sure that you have access to the care that’s right for you.

• Consistent care, provided by familiar faces. Physician turnover in large healthcare systems is high, which means you may regularly lose access to your doctor. In contrast, our physicians have been working with us for years, allowing us to provide you with consistent care.
• Community-focused healthcare. Unlike with large systems, we don’t have to please a panel of far-away investors who have never even visited our clinics. We work and live here, just like our patients, and we’re invested in keeping our towns happy and healthy. We also strive to participate in community health initiatives and outreach to help our people thrive.
• Higher patient satisfaction. Because our entire practice is built around serving our patients and meeting their needs, patient satisfaction remains high, even though costs are lower. 

Get High-Quality Healthcare for Less with Lincoln Urgent Care

As independent, physician-owned clinics, we believe that the health of our patients should always come before profit. By valuing relationships before revenue, we deliver high-quality care at prices our patients can actually afford. We work with a wide variety of insurance providers, including Veterans’ Affairs and Partnership Medi-Cal, and we offer cash discounts to uninsured patients. 

Visit our urgent care clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville, California, and experience the difference that independent, physician-owned practices can make to your health—and your wallet!

Lincoln Urgent Care: (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care: (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville: (916) 727-6846

Most of us have had an infection in our lives, whether it’s a painful childhood ear infection or a bad bout of the flu. At Lincoln Urgent Care, we routinely treat a variety of infections at our clinics, and we’re identifying the most common ones so that you’re prepared when you or your child starts showing symptoms. With proper care, we’ll ensure that your road to recovery is as smooth as possible.

What causes infections?

Infectious diseases happen when tiny organisms enter your body and multiply, causing illness. In most cases, infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Most infectious diseases are acute, which means that symptoms appear suddenly and only last for a short time (a few days to a few weeks).

How do infections spread?

Some infections are contagious and spread from person to person, or through contact with infected animals or insects. However, others are contracted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with unsanitary surfaces.

How are infections treated?

How an infection is treated depends on the type of infection. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics, while viral infections are often treated simply with over-the-counter medications, rest, and hydration. If you’re unsure about the source of your illness, you should always visit your nearest urgent care center to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Infectious Diseases

Ear Infection

Ear infections occur when the narrow tubes between your ear and throat become swollen and clogged with fluid. Bacteria then infects the mucus buildup, causing pain, fever, trouble hearing, and fluid leaking from the ear. Ear infections are more common in children than adults. Though ear infections often resolve on their own with rest, antibiotics (oral or ear drops) may be needed to clear the infection completely.

Eye Infection (Conjunctivitis, Pink Eye)

The most common type of eye infection is called conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye. Pink Eye occurs when the transparent membrane of your eyeball becomes inflamed and swollen, causing your eye to appear pinkish. Symptoms may include redness in the eye, itchiness, discharge from the eye, tearing up, and sensitivity to light. Treatment may include artificial tears to keep your eye hydrated. As most cases of Pink Eye are viral, you shouldn’t use antibiotic eyedrops unless directed by a physician, as they won’t be effective.

Rarely, pink or red eyes can be a sign of serious illness. If you are experiencing severe pain or blurred vision, you should seek urgent care immediately.

Influenza

The flu is one of the most common infectious diseases, caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and chills. While the flu may not seem like a big deal, in reality, it kills thousands of Americans every year. The best way to combat the flu is to get your annual flu shot, which lowers your risk of contracting and spreading the disease. Annual flu shots are available seasonally at any of our urgent care clinics, with no appointment needed.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are fungal in nature and caused by an excessive buildup of the natural yeast that grows on and in your body. While yeast infections can technically happen anywhere on the body, they most commonly occur in the vagina, causing itchiness, pain, burning, and discharge. Sex doesn’t cause vaginal yeast infections—they can happen even to someone who isn’t sexually active—but it can make them more likely. Treatment usually involves over-the-counter antifungal medications or, in more serious cases, an oral medication prescribed by a doctor.

Though men are less likely to get a yeast infection, it can happen, and you should seek care if you experience scaly skin or painful rashes on the penis. If this is your first time having a yeast infection, or if over-the-counter antifungals haven’t worked, you should visit urgent care as soon as possible for treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Women are more likely to get UTIs than men, owing to their shorter urethras, which give bacteria easier entry into the urinary system. Symptoms include a burning feeling while peeing, the frequent urge to pee, pelvic pain, and bright red or pink urine (which may indicate the presence of blood). If you suspect you may have a UTI, walk into one of our urgent care clinics, where our doctors can assess you and prescribe oral antibiotics. 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

An STD is an infection transmitted through sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, or anal sex. They pass from person to person through contact with bodily fluids like blood, semen, saliva, or vaginal secretions. Both men and women can contract and spread STDs. The symptoms of STDs vary depending on the type of infection, but may include sores or bumps on the genitals, mouth, or rectum; painful or burning urination; swollen lymph nodes; fever; or unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding. However, some STDs show no symptoms, and an infected person may not know they have it.

While it may feel embarrassing to seek help for an STD, we see them in our clinics on a regular basis. Our staff is here to help, not to judge, and when you come to our clinics, you’ll get the treatment you deserve.

Seek Help for Common Infections at Lincoln Urgent Care

Infectious diseases are common and can feel like they’re derailing your health. However, high-quality care can help ensure that you feel better faster. At our urgent care clinics, we provide compassionate care and proven treatments, and we accept a variety of health insurers. We also offer fair, affordable pricing for those who may be uninsured, so everyone can access healthcare when they need it most. Call us today or walk into one of our clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville, California for immediate assessment and treatment.

Lincoln Urgent Care: (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care: (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville: (916) 727-6846

Physical activity is essential to improving and maintaining your overall health. Whether it’s a round of golf, pickleball, tennis, or any other sport you enjoy, playing sports is a fun way to ensure you’re getting the exercise your body needs. However, athletes and sports hobbyists often suffer from sports-related injuries. Learn more about the types of sports injuries we treat most frequently, along with ways you can treat minor injuries at home.

What Are Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries refer to the types of injuries that most commonly occur when playing sports or being physically active. Most sports injuries affect the musculoskeletal system, which is a network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and tissues in your body that allow you to move and exert physical effort.

What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

The most common sports injuries include, but aren’t limited to:

• Bone fractures
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Dislocations
• Strains
• Contusions (bruising)

Some sports injuries are mild and don’t require any treatment beyond rest. However, it never hurts to visit us at urgent care if you’re concerned about a sports injury, and if you’re experiencing severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.

What is a Sprain/Strain?

A sprain is an injury that occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, which is a flexible band of connective tissue that binds your bones and cartilage together. Ligaments hold the bones in your joints together, which is why sprains are most common in knees, ankles, and wrists. 

A strain happens when you twist, pull, or tear your muscle or tendon. Tendons (also known as sinews) are tough cords of tissue that attach your muscles to your bones. They allow your bones to move as you flex and relax your muscles. Most strains are minor and improve over time with rest; however, severe strains may require physical therapy or even surgery. If you have severe pain following a strain, visit your nearest urgent care center as soon as possible.

Is It a Fracture or a Sprain?

Fractures and sprains share many similar symptoms, including pain and swelling. However, with a bone fracture, you’ll typically hear a cracking or crunching sound at the time of the injury, whereas sprains are usually silent. Fractures can cause tingling or numbness. The site of your pain can also provide clues, as pain from sprains occurs in areas with soft tissues (like around the knee).

If you’re unsure if you’re suffering from a fracture or a sprain, visit urgent care right away. We’re equipped to perform X-rays and other imaging to ensure you receive the proper care.

Dislocations and Contusions

A dislocation occurs when a joint is knocked or pushed out of its normal position. Any joint can be dislocated, but dislocations are most common in fingers, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, and jaws. Dislocations can be complete (when the bones of the joint are completely separated and out of place) or they can be partial (called a subluxation). Dislocations always require immediate medical attention. 

Contusions are more commonly known as bruising, which occurs when there’s bleeding under your skin from an injury. While minor bruising is rarely a concern and will heal on its own, you can also sustain muscle or bone contusions, which are more serious and should be evaluated by a doctor. Visit urgent care if your bruising lasts more than two weeks, is accompanied by painful swelling, or if you have unusually large, frequent bruises.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is an inflammation of your tendons, which are the connective tissue between your bones and muscles. Athletes are especially prone to tendonitis because it’s often caused by repetitive actions. This is why types of tendonitis are often named after the sport that most commonly causes it, such as tennis elbow or swimmer’s shoulder. Tendonitis can be acute or chronic. At urgent care, we can perform comprehensive imaging to ensure you receive the proper care for tendonitis.

Symptoms of tendonitis include:

• Pain around the affected tendon that usually gets worse with movement
• Hearing or feeling a cracking or popping sensation when moving 
• Stiff joints
• Swelling and skin discoloration around the affected area

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is a repetitive stress injury that causes painful swelling around your joints. It’s caused by overuse and putting too much pressure on your bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the space between your bones. Bursitis is most common in the shoulders, elbows, knees, feet, hips, and buttocks. It usually gets better with rest, but if your pain is severe or persistent, we may prescribe physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery to ensure that you get the relief you need.

First Aid for Mild to Moderate Sports Injuries

When treating sports injuries, especially sprains and strains, consider following the RICE protocol, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Ice the affected area, wrap with an elastic bandage to compress, and elevate the area above the level of your heart. You may also take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) to manage pain and reduce swelling.

When Should I Go to Urgent Care?

Since emergency rooms are intended for life-threatening or complex conditions, most sports injuries are more appropriately treated at an urgent care clinic. 

Visit urgent care for moderate pain (not excruciating), and injuries that don’t involve heavy bleeding or broken bones protruding from your skin. You should also still be able to move the injured area, even with pain or discomfort. Severe concussions or head injuries should be treated in the emergency room. 

Receive Prompt Treatment for Sports Injuries at Lincoln Urgent Care

At Lincoln Urgent Care, we provide comprehensive, compassionate care for all types of sports injuries at a price you can afford. We work with a wide variety of insurance providers and offer discounts to those who are uninsured. Call or walk into one of our clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville for prompt evaluation and treatment!

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville (916) 727-6846

Whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp cramp, or an unsettling twist, stomach pain has a way of stopping us in our tracks, and it’s one of the top reasons patients visit our urgent care clinics. While most stomach pain is minor and nothing to worry about, it’s important to be informed about possible causes of stomach pain so that you’re aware when something more serious may be responsible for your discomfort. 

Minor Causes of Stomach Pain

Most minor stomach pain will resolve on its own, but knowing the potential cause of your minor stomach ache can help you effectively address your symptoms.

Causes of minor stomach pain include:

• Indigestion, which describes a feeling of pain and fullness soon after eating. You may experience bloating, gas, nausea, or a burning sensation in your stomach. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids (Tums, Gaviscon) or H2 blockers (Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB) are good solutions for quick relief.
• Excess gas, which happens when gas becomes trapped in the stomach or intestines, causing pain and bloating. Cutting back on high-fibre foods and dairy can help minor gas pain, but if your pain is severe or recurring, you should seek medical attention.
• Food poisoning, which can happen when you ingest food containing certain types of bacteria. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. For minor food poisoning, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) may help relieve symptoms. Severe food poisoning should be assessed at urgent care.

Conditions Associated with Stomach Pain

Stomach aches can sometimes be a sign of more serious conditions that require urgent treatment. In these cases, stomach pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms. If you believe you may be suffering from any of the following conditions, you should visit one of our urgent care clinics as soon as possible for prompt assessment and treatment.

Acute Conditions

Acute causes of stomach pain are some of the most common, and the symptoms develop quickly over hours or days. Acute conditions can range in severity from mild illnesses to medical emergencies requiring immediate, life-saving care.

Common acute conditions linked to stomach pain include, but aren’t limited to:

• • Appendicitis, when the appendix becomes inflamed and requires removal.
  • Viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu.
  • Kidney stones, when buildup of minerals and salt hardens inside the kidney.

• Urinary tract infection, caused by bacteria building up in the urethra.
• Pancreatitis, an acute inflammation of the pancreas.
• Intestinal blockage, where something stops liquid or food from moving through the intestines.
• Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. 
• Heart attack, when blood is severely reduced or blocked from reaching the heart.

Chronic Conditions

A chronic condition is an illness that happens over a longer period of time, such as months or years. Stomach pain, along with other symptoms, may come and go intermittently, or they may happen in episodes. Chronic or recurring stomach pain is always a reason to visit your primary care physician or urgent care.

Common chronic conditions linked to stomach pain include, but aren’t limited to:

• Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the small intestine.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
• Endometriosis, a condition which causes tissue of the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.
• Peptic ulcer disease, where stomach acid eats through the lining of the stomach or small intestine, creating an open sore. Contrary to popular belief, spicy food does not cause ulcers, but it may make the symptoms of an existing ulcer worse.

Progressive Conditions

Progressive conditions are diseases that grow worse over time, especially without treatment. They also tend to be more serious diagnoses. Although stomach pain may be associated with these conditions, keep in mind that other symptoms are typically present, and that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions about your condition based on this information. If you’re concerned that your stomach pain may be a sign of a progressive disease, you should always consult your doctor or visit one of our clinics for immediate assessment and care.

Progressive conditions associated with stomach pain may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes painful swelling of the digestive tract.
• Cancer of the stomach, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, or pancreas.
• Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver typically caused by a virus, but may also be caused by exposure to toxins like alcohol, drugs, or hazardous chemicals.
• Lead poisoning, caused by lead building up in the body, usually over months or years.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes.

When to Visit Urgent Care

Because stomach pain is often mild and resolves on its own, it can be difficult to know when your stomach pain warrants a visit to your urgent care center. However, keep in mind that severe stomach pain is always a reason to visit urgent care.

You should also pay attention to other possible symptoms that may accompany your pain, such as:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen.
• Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen.
• Bloody stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Discolored skin

Any of these symptoms point to a larger problem that requires immediate medical attention. However, if your pain is the result of trauma (such as an accident or injury), or if it’s accompanied by chest pressure or pain, you should immediately call 911 or be taken to your nearest emergency room.

Visit Lincoln Urgent Care for Quick Access to Care

Whether your stomach pain stems from an acute illness or a chronic condition, the experienced team of medical professionals at Lincoln Urgent Care can help. We provide prompt, compassionate assessment and treatment, including onsite diagnostics and follow-up support, with no appointment necessary. We’re proud to offer high quality care without the long wait times or high costs of emergency room visits. Walk into one of our clinics at Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville, or call us to learn more about how we can support your health!

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville (916) 727-6846