Medical Center of Marin - Frequently Asked Questions
COMMON QUERIES
Frequently Asked Questions

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care

What is the difference between your Urgent Care Clinics and hospital emergency rooms?

We offer much shorter wait times—often under an hour compared to typical 4-hour ER waits—and deliver personalized, cost-effective care for non-life-threatening conditions.

When should I come in to see a medical professional at Medical Center of Marin?

Visit us for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries when you need prompt care—our clinics are fully equipped with on-site labs, X-rays, and pharmacies to address a wide range of concerns.

What We Treat & On-Site Services Offered

What types of conditions do you treat?

We treat a broad range of non-emergency ailments, including flu, ear infections, sinusitis, strep throat, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, lacerations, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, sprains, and strains.

What additional services do you offer beyond urgent care?

We provide many on-site services including: • Acupuncture • Chiropractic care • Hearing (audiometry) exams • Breath alcohol and drug testing • EKG/ECG • Immunizations and vaccinations • Laboratory services • On-site pharmacy • Physical therapy • Pre-employment and USCIS physicals • Radiology/X-ray services • Specialist referrals

Appointments, Check-In & Wait Times

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment needed—walk-ins are always welcome. However, you can also book a same-day appointment online if preferred.

How long should I expect to wait before being seen?

We strive to see patients within an hour of arrival—during peak times, waits may extend up to 90 minutes.

What should I bring to my visit?

Please bring a valid photo ID and your insurance card. For faster check-in, you may also print and complete the registration forms ahead of time from our Patient Forms page.

Locations & Hours

Where are your clinics located and when are you open?

We serve Marin County from two convenient clinics: San Rafael (Central Marin): 411 3rd St, open Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm, Sat 10 am–3 pm, closed Sundays. Novato (North Marin): 7428 Redwood Blvd, same days and hours.

Insurance, Payments & Uninsured Rates

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept many PPOs—Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Humana, ChoiceCare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, HealthNet, Cigna, Interplan, Medicare—and HMOs, including Aetna, Western Health Advantage, Meritage Medical Network, American Specialty Health, TRICARE West, Brown & Toland, Hill Physicians, and Kaiser patients.

What if my insurance isn’t listed?

Contact us—we aim to accommodate all patients and will work with you to determine your

When and how do I pay for treatment?

Payment is required at the time of treatment unless arranged otherwise beforehand. We accept credit/debit cards, checks, cash, and most insurance plans. You can also conveniently pay online via the “Pay My Bill” tab.

Do you offer discounted rates for self-pay patients (without insurance)?

Yes. If you don’t have insurance, we offer a discounted self-pay rate of $140 for an urgent care visit.

Records, Billing, Rescheduling & General Support

I have a billing question.

Give us a call and ask for the billing department—our team can review your charges, explain insurance coverage, and discuss payment options.

I need to reschedule, cancel, or change my appointment.

Simply call the clinic directly—we’ll assist you with making any updates to your appointment.

How can I request my medical records?

Contact our office staff to initiate the HIPAA-compliant authorization process for securely releasing your records.

Payment & Forms

Where can I download registration or other patient forms?

Forms are available on our Patient Forms page—including English and Spanish individual or worker’s compensation forms.

Need Care Right Away?

Walk-ins are always welcome—or book your same-day appointment online today. Visit either our San Rafael or Novato clinic for fast, effective urgent care delivered with compassion.