How long is the average ER wait in Boston?

Massachusetts ranks third in the U.S. for longest emergency room wait times, with patients spending an average of 189 minutes in the ER before leaving. At flagship academic medical centers like Mass General Hospital and Brigham and Women's, waits commonly stretch 12 to 24 hours. Urgent care clinics typically see patients within 30 to 60 minutes for non-emergency conditions.

Does urgent care in Boston accept MassHealth?

Yes. Most urgent care clinics in Boston accept MassHealth, Massachusetts' Medicaid program. Approximately 43% of Boston residents ages 0–64 are enrolled in MassHealth. State Medicaid policy requires urgent care clinics enrolled in MassHealth to accept MassHealth patients seeking urgent care, even out of network. Call ahead to confirm your specific managed care plan is accepted.

Is urgent care open evenings and weekends in Boston?

Yes. Most urgent care clinics in Boston are open seven days a week including weekends and evenings, typically from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some locations have extended availability. Check real-time hours and wait times on Solv before heading in.

What is the difference between urgent care and the ER in Boston?

Urgent care clinics treat non-life-threatening conditions — flu, ear infections, minor injuries, UTIs, and sprains — with shorter waits and significantly lower costs than hospital emergency departments. Boston ERs are best for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe head injuries, difficulty breathing, or any condition that is rapidly worsening. When in doubt, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

What neighborhoods in Boston have urgent care clinics?

Urgent care is available throughout Boston, including Back Bay, South End, Fenway, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, Allston, and Charlestown. Surrounding communities including Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Brookline, and Newton also have walk-in clinic options accessible by MBTA.

Can urgent care in Boston treat college student health needs?

Yes. Boston's urgent care clinics regularly serve the city's large student population. They treat respiratory infections, strep throat, minor athletic injuries, and provide sports physicals for school programs. Students should verify whether their university health insurance plan covers off-campus urgent care visits before going.

Does urgent care in Boston accept private insurance?

Yes. Boston urgent care clinics accept most major commercial insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, in addition to MassHealth and Medicare. Confirm your specific plan is in-network before your visit.

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ConvenientMD, Pembroke

ConvenientMD

Open until 8:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

296 Old Oak St, Pembroke, MA 02359296 Old Oak St

Urgent care

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ConvenientMD, Pembroke

ConvenientMD

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AFC Urgent Care, Chelmsford

AFC Urgent Care

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ConvenientMD, Hudson

ConvenientMD

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ConvenientMD, Plainville

ConvenientMD

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AFC Urgent Care, Franklin

AFC Urgent Care

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ConvenientMD, Bellingham

ConvenientMD

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American Family Care, Marlborough

American Family Care

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AFC Urgent Care, Methuen

AFC Urgent Care

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ConvenientMD, Westborough

ConvenientMD

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AFC Urgent Care, Haverhill

AFC Urgent Care

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AFC Urgent Care, Nashua

AFC Urgent Care

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ConvenientMD, Plaistow

ConvenientMD

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ConvenientMD, Windham

ConvenientMD

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ConvenientMD, Newburyport

ConvenientMD

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AFC Urgent Care , Attleboro

AFC Urgent Care

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ConvenientMD, Plymouth

ConvenientMD

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All Clear Healthcare, Boston

All Clear Healthcare

Mass General Brigham Urgent Care , Boston Common

Mass General Brigham Urgent Care

Tufts Medical Center - Tye Pavilion

Tufts Medical Center - Tye Pavilion

CIC Health

CIC Health

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