Get the facts on urgent care in Colorado
No matter what life throws your way, you’ve got options for convenient, high-quality care for yourself and your family. One of the most helpful is urgent care, but many people are unsure of how it works and when they need it.
To help you make more informed decisions about your care, we’ve put together some answers to frequently asked questions. So the next time an illness or injury strikes, you’ll know what to do and where to go.
What is urgent care?
An urgent care need is one that requires prompt medical attention, but is not an emergency medical condition.* Examples include:
- Sprains or serious muscle strains
- Cuts needing stitches
- Flu symptoms
- Sinus infections
Why should I go to urgent care instead of my doctor?
While your primary care doctor remains your first option for care, urgent care gives you another option when your regular care team is not available. This can include evenings, weekends, or days when your local doctor’s office is fully booked.
Do I need an appointment for urgent care?
No. Kaiser Permanente urgent care locations accept walk-in visits, which means no appointment is necessary. Patients are seen in an order based on the urgency of their care need.
If you are a member in the Northern or Southern Colorado service area, there are several urgent care options for you through network providers in your plan. Appointments are generally not required, but please call before your visit to confirm hours.
Do the urgent care locations have access to my medical history?
Yes. Kaiser Permanente urgent care locations are staffed by Kaiser Permanente doctors, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants. So they’ll have access to your electronic health record. This includes your current health information, allergies, prescriptions, and more.
Where can I find the most current list of urgent care locations in my area?
Visit the urgent care page in kp.org/getcare to find PDFs listing the urgent care locations near you. These lists are regularly updated to reflect current location hours and recent changes. For example:
- Denver/Boulder — Our newest location, Aurora Centrepoint, opened in February. East Medical Offices closed their urgent care facility at the end of January.
- Northern Colorado — Member options for urgent care and extended-hours care, including extended-hours care at our Fort Collins and Greeley Medical Offices.
- Southern Colorado— Members have several options for urgent care in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Monument, and more, as well as extended-hours care at our Parkside Medical Offices and with network providers.
- Mountain Colorado — Urgent care is now available during regular office hours at the Kaiser Permanente medical offices in Edwards and Frisco.
Need more information or assistance?
Call the Appointments and Advice Contact Center at 303-338-4545 or 1-800-218-1059 (TTY 711), anytime, day or night. Our advice nurses will assess your situation and direct you to the right care for your needs.
If you need urgent care, they’ll direct you to a facility nearby. When appropriate, they can also schedule a same-day care appointment or phone appointment, or give tips for at-home care.*
You can also chat online with a Kaiser Permanente doctor by logging on to kp.org and clicking “Chat.” This option is available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
*If you think you or your family member has a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
In the Spotlight – Find out what’s happening in your area:
