WellNow Urgent Care

WellNow Urgent Care: walk-in urgent care at more than 150 clinics

WellNow Urgent Care is a U.S. network of urgent care centers operating more than 150 clinics. Its model is based on walk-in care, with extended hours seven days a week, including holidays, and the option to book an appointment online or access virtual care 24 hours a day. The company also offers the option to pay bills online.

Urgent care and diagnostic services

The network treats illnesses, injuries and symptoms, and performs diagnostic tests including X-rays, flu, strep and COVID-19. For non-life-threatening conditions, it offers on-site treatment, medications and support supplies, and can refer patients to specialty care when necessary. The clinical team is made up of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and clinical staff such as X-ray technologists and nurses.

WellNow also provides occupational medicine services, covering employment physicals, workers' compensation injury care and on-site workplace programs. In addition, it offers pediatric care, physicals and virtual care.

GLP-1 weight loss program

The company markets a weight loss program based on a compounded semaglutide prescription, personalized to each patient's needs. The service is presented as a way to lose weight and improve overall wellness, subject to terms and conditions.

Insurance coverage and flat rate

WellNow Urgent Care states that it works with all insurance plans and accepts most providers, including BlueCross BlueShield and UnitedHealthcare, as well as various Medicare and Medicaid plans depending on the state. The website details lists of accepted insurers by state, with specific sections for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. For uninsured patients, the company applies a flat rate of $175 for the urgent care visit, which includes X-rays; certain lab tests and durable medical equipment may incur additional charges.

Clinical principles

WellNow providers follow the principles of evidence-based medicine, combining their clinical expertise with the most current research. The team actively participates in antibiotic stewardship programs to combat antimicrobial resistance. The company describes its diagnostic approach as comprehensive, with review of symptoms and health history, point-of-care testing (flu, mononucleosis, RSV, strep, among others) and tools such as X-rays to detect related problems. Treatment plans are developed on a personalized basis for each patient.

Patient experience

The website includes patient testimonials highlighting the friendliness of the staff, the speed of care and the availability of the service at times when other centers are closed. One of the accounts mentions the care received at the Plainfield clinic, where a truck driver was able to complete his biennial physical exam comfortably. WellNow also publishes educational articles on health and wellness, such as parvovirus B19, flu treatment, whooping cough, the differences between influenza A and B, hives, and the distinction between gastroenteritis and food poisoning.