Planning a trip to urgent care with a sick child can be stressful. Knowing how to minimize wait times is key to getting your child the care they need quickly. Many urgent care centers now offer online check-in services, often referred to as “On My Way,” to help streamline the process and reduce time spent in the waiting room. This article answers frequently asked questions about using online check-in for urgent care for kids.
How Does Online Check-In for Urgent Care Kids Work?
Most urgent care facilities with online check-in have a button labeled “On My Way” or something similar on their website. Clicking this button usually takes you to a page where you can select your preferred urgent care location and desired arrival time. You will typically be asked to provide information such as your child’s name, a brief reason for the visit, and your contact information. Akron Children’s Hospital, for example, allows you to access their online check-in system directly from their Urgent Care website.
Benefits of Using Online Check-In for Urgent Care
The primary benefit of using online check-in is the potential to reduce your child’s wait time at the urgent care facility. By pre-registering your child and selecting an arrival window, you can often avoid lengthy waits in the waiting room. This allows you to wait more comfortably at home until it’s closer to your designated time. While it doesn’t guarantee an immediate appointment, it often expedites the check-in process upon arrival.
Will There Still Be a Wait After Checking In Online?
While online check-in aims to minimize wait times, it’s important to understand that it does not function as a scheduled appointment. Other patients may arrive with more urgent needs, or unexpected delays may occur. Therefore, some waiting time should still be anticipated, even after checking in online.
Can I Still Walk In Without Using Online Check-In?
Yes, most urgent care centers continue to accept walk-in patients. However, during peak hours or when the facility is particularly busy, utilizing the online check-in system may be beneficial. Walk-in patients may experience longer wait times compared to those who have pre-registered online.
Check-In Process Upon Arrival
Even after checking in online, you will still need to check in at the urgent care desk upon arrival. However, the process is usually much quicker for those who have pre-registered. The staff will verify your information and complete any remaining necessary paperwork.
MyChart and Online Check-In
You typically do not need a MyChart account to utilize online check-in services for urgent care. While having a MyChart account might offer additional features and benefits, it’s usually not a prerequisite for using the online check-in system. However, if you’re interested in creating a MyChart account, resources are often available on the urgent care website.
Security of Online Check-In Systems
Online check-in systems are generally secure and designed to protect your personal information. They are often integrated into existing patient portals or utilize secure platforms to ensure confidentiality.
Changing or Canceling Your Arrival Time
If your plans change and you need to modify or cancel your chosen arrival time, you can usually do so through the same online system you used to check in. Look for options to manage your visit or contact the urgent care center directly.
Multiple Children and Online Check-In
If you have more than one child needing urgent care, you will likely need to complete a separate online check-in for each child. This ensures accurate information and helps the staff manage patient flow effectively.
Scheduling for Future Dates
Online check-in services are typically designed for same-day visits. You cannot generally use them to schedule an arrival time for a future date. They primarily function as a tool to manage current patient volume and reduce immediate wait times.
