Learn about the difference between a MinuteClinic & urgent care. Our urgent care in Knoxville accepts walk-ins & provides high-quality care.

Whether you’re running errands at Three Rivers Market or trying to get the kids to school on time after a rough night with a fever, getting sick never seems to happen at a “convenient” moment. When it does, you’ve probably found yourself thinking: Should I stop by the MinuteClinic at CVS on East Emory, or head to urgent care? What’s even the difference?

In Fountain City, you’ve got lots of options close by, but knowing which one to choose can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

Visit AFC Fountain City today.

What Is a MinuteClinic?

MinuteClinics are walk-in medical clinics typically located inside CVS or other retail pharmacies. They’re designed for convenience and typically staffed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Their goal? To treat simple, non-urgent issues quickly and without the need for an appointment.

Common services at a MinuteClinic:

• Minor illnesses like colds, flu, and strep throat
• Skin conditions like rashes and minor burns
• Minor injuries such as sprains or bug bites
• Routine vaccinations such as the flu or COVID-19
• Basic screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)

It’s quick, easy, and works well for super basic stuff. But, and this is a big but, MinuteClinics have limitations. They’re not equipped for more serious issues.

What Is an Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers like AFC Fountain City are your go-to for non-life-threatening medical issues that still need attention fast. They typically have extended hours, including weekends, and offer a wider range of services than retail clinics.

Urgent cares are staffed by medical doctors and advanced practitioners. Plus, they often have on-site X-rays and labs, which makes diagnosis and treatment much faster and more thorough.

What you can expect from an urgent care:

• Treatment for more complex illnesses (like bronchitis or pneumonia)
• Injury care, including stitches, X-rays, and splinting
• Occupational health services (drug testing, work physicals)
• COVID-19 and flu testing
• Sports and school physicals

How Should I Choose?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• If it’s basic, and you’re already picking up toothpaste at CVS, MinuteClinics are a good option.
• If you’re in real discomfort, have a more complex issue, or want to see a doctor, urgent care is the safer decision.

There are some important differences between a MinuteClinic and an urgent care, but it all boils down to convenience and the level of care you need. Regardless, walk-in clinics can fill the gap between your primary doctor and the emergency room.

Which One Is Better in Knoxville?

One of the best parts about living in Fountain City is you’ve got a choice of where your medical needs are met.

Here’s why urgent care may be the better option around here:

• More services under one roof
  MinuteClinics don’t have X-rays, lab services, or doctors on-site, but AFC Fountain City does. We can treat more conditions in one visit, saving you a trip to the ER or a specialist.
• Extended hours for real life
  Whether your kid gets hurt at soccer practice or you feel awful after a long shift, we’re open evenings and weekends. MinuteClinics tend to have more limited hours.
• Same-day walk-ins and online check-ins
  You can just show up or check in online to save your spot in line. Easy, fast, and no surprises.

Final Thoughts

Both MinuteClinics and urgent care centers serve a purpose, but they’re not interchangeable. For truly minor issues, MinuteClinics work just fine. But if you want more comprehensive care from a medical team that can treat a wider range of conditions, urgent care is a smarter move.

Don’t let your aches, pains, or discomfort go untreated. Our clinic is here to provide convenient and professional care to our community in Fountain City.