Walk-in clinics were originally designed to offer a healthcare option to people who didn’t have insurance. Today, there are thousands of centers providing basic medical services to people without requesting an appointment in advance. This could be an urgent care, a retail clinic, or even an emergency room and as long as the patient has the means to pay or has insurance cover (with the exception of the emergency room), they will be seen and treated as required. Walk-in clinics are a convenient alternative to primary care clinics, urgent care centers or emergency rooms for people who don’t have a primary care provider and need same-day medical treatment. Walk-in clinics commonly provide treatment for minor illnesses or injuries that would be inappropriate for an urgent care or emergency room, such as: • Colds and influenza • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting • Ear infections • Fever • Flu shots and vaccinations • Minor fractures, sprains, and strains • Minor burns, cuts, and lacerations • Physical examinations • Pink eye (conjunctivitis) • Sinus infections • Sore throat/strep throat • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)