When you’re sick or injured, deciding where to go for care can be stressful. Understanding the difference between urgent care and the emergency room (ER) can help you get the right treatment faster—and often at a much lower cost.

If you’ve ever been surprised by a medical bill weeks after a visit, you’re not alone. Cash-based urgent care is a simpler, more transparent approach to healthcare that’s becoming increasingly popular.

Urgent care clinics provide a wide range of testing to help diagnose illnesses quickly and accurately. Knowing what tests are commonly offered can help you feel more confident during your visit.