What to Know About Our Urgent Care

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Close To HomeSM Centers with urgent care services treat children from birth to age 18. Staffed by specially trained pediatric physicians and nurses from Nationwide Children’s, we are here to provide urgent medical care for children when their pediatrician or family doctor’s office is closed or unavailable. Whenever your child is ill or injured, your first call should always be to your pediatrician or family doctor to determine what is best for your child. If you think your child is experiencing a medical emergency or life-threatening condition, always call 911.

What is the closest urgent care location to me?

Canal Winchester :: Downtown :: Dublin :: East Columbus :: Westerville

What services are provided at urgent care?

During afternoon, evening and weekend hours, urgent care centers offer treatment for illnesses and injuries that need immediate attention, but do not need to be handled by a hospital emergency department. Treatment for the following conditions is provided:

  • Minor cuts that may need stitches
  • Minor/small burns
  • Possible broken bones/simple fractures (facility will perform x-rays and initial treatment)
  • Sprains and strains
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Asthma (mild or moderate wheezing)
  • Rashes
  • Mild allergic reactions
  • Fever

The Downtown Urgent Care is located on the hospital’s main campus. Because this Urgent Care location is at the hospital with the services of the Emergency Department close, some injuries may be referred to the Emergency Department. These are usually injuries that need stitches or broken bones that require an orthopedic specialist. The Downtown Urgent Care can screen your child’s injury prior to being checked in and refer you to best location for the services needed for your child’s injury.

Will Nationwide Children’s send a follow-up report to our doctor?

Yes, Nationwide Children’s will send a follow-up report to your child’s doctor to help keep your child’s medical record complete and to assist your physician if any follow-up care is needed.

What should I bring with me to urgent care?

Please bring your insurance card, a list of all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements your child is currently taking, and your child’s current immunization record. Print a Medication Tracking Form.

Will our insurance cover a visit to urgent care?

Yes, urgent care services usually are covered by health insurance. Many plans, however, require authorization from your child’s doctor for urgent care service. This means you should notify your doctor when you visit us. If you have coverage questions, call the Customer Service department at your health plan.

Nationwide Children’s has financial assistance programs for those who qualify. If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to sign up for Healthy Start/Healthy Families. This is low cost health coverage for children from birth through 19 years old. Learn more about these programs and how to contact us.