Can Urgent Care Prescribe Antibiotics?

Close up of woman holding a white oval pill and a glass of water.

Urgent care can prescribe a variety of medications, including antibiotics. Often, antibiotics are prescribed by in-office providers and available for pickup at your local pharmacy. In some instances, antibiotics are administered before discharge from urgent care. 

Antibiotics are an excellent option for those experiencing bacterial infections and illnesses. They help your body heal while helping you feel better sooner. It is essential to understand exactly what antibiotics are and how they are used.

Here is some important information about antibiotics to take note of.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a class of medications used to treat infections caused by various bacterial illnesses. They work by reducing and eliminating bacteria in the body or by nixing the ability of the bacteria to multiply and spread the illness.  

How do I know if I need antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used for a variety of conditions and illnesses, including:

  • Strep throat
  • Whooping cough
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)
  • Bladder and kidney infections
  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Skin infections
  • Bacteria pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Dental infections

It is always best to visit urgent care or your primary care physician if you believe you need antibiotics to treat an illness. A diagnosis can be confirmed through a thorough evaluation of your current symptoms and health history. Proper treatment, including an antibiotic regimen, can be administered as necessary. 

Does my insurance cover antibiotics? 

In most cases, your insurance carrier will cover at least a portion of your antibiotic prescription. It is best to check with your pharmacist to determine how much your insurance covers for your particular medication and whether you have a copay.

 If you do not have insurance, you can still receive an antibiotic prescription at urgent care. We recommend telling the provider that you do not have insurance so that they may prescribe a generic alternative to treat your illness. Generic antibiotics work just as well as their name-brand counterparts.

What conditions does urgent care treat?

There are a variety of conditions that can be diagnosed and treated at urgent care 7 days a week. 

Oxford Urgent Care can treat:

  • Ear infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Broken bones
  • Sprains and strains
  • Fevers
  • Colds and flu
  • Strep throat
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Sinus infections
  • Animal and bug bites
  • Cuts and burn

Lab testing

Along with the treatment listed above, we can also perform various tests and lab services to provide the most thorough diagnosis. Testing options include:

  • Blood tests 
  • Blood glucose testing
  • STD testing
  • Pregnancy tests
  • Strep tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Drug testing and screening
  • Flu and rapid flu tests
  • COVID testing

If you are experiencing an urgent or acute medical issue that you believe may require antibiotics, we encourage you to visit Oxford Urgent Care today. We are open 7 days a week, with walk-in visits available for all medical services. Don’t delay treatment; get the care you need now to start feeling better today.