Same Day Access to Care via Walk-In Clinics

When you’re searching for walk-in clinics near me, New Orleanians know where to go. St. Thomas Community Health Center provides open access care services that offer treatment for illnesses and injuries not requiring an emergency room visit. Our walk-in clinic model means you don’t have to schedule weeks in advance or wait until your condition worsens.

Our providers at each walk-in clinic location can evaluate and treat a wide range of conditions. Common illnesses like respiratory infections, sinus infections, ear infections, and strep throat are handled quickly and effectively at our walk-in clinic. If you’re experiencing urinary tract infection symptoms, skin rashes, minor burns, or small cuts requiring stitches, our walk-in clinic can provide the care you need today.

The beauty of our walk-in clinic system is that it bridges the gap between emergency room visits and traditional appointment scheduling. Emergency rooms are essential for life-threatening conditions, but for most healthcare needs, our walk-in clinic offers a more appropriate, cost-effective, and timely solution. You’ll spend less time waiting, pay less for your care, and receive personalized attention from providers who can access your complete medical history.

You may call to schedule an appointment at our walk-in clinic, or stop by one of our convenient locations throughout New Orleans. We recommend calling early at 7AM or submitting an online request before 8AM for the best chance of being seen the same day. Our team will confirm your appointment time via email, phone call, or text message.

Preventative Care

Preventive care involves making sure you are up to date with cancer screening and with age-specific recommendations to prevent or to detect chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Our walk-in clinic provides comprehensive preventive care services that help you stay healthy and catch potential problems early.

Regular health screenings are one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. At our walk-in clinic, we offer cancer screenings including cervical cancer screening through Pap smears, and we can coordinate breast cancer screenings through our partnership with the Louisiana Breast & Cervical Health Program. Early detection of cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes, and our walk-in clinic makes it easy to stay current with recommended screenings.

Blood pressure checks are available at every walk-in clinic visit. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” Regular monitoring at our walk-in clinic helps detect hypertension early, before it causes damage to your heart, kidneys, or other organs. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for it, our walk-in clinic can provide ongoing management and support.

Diabetes screening is another critical preventive service offered at our walk-in clinic. We can check your blood sugar levels and A1C to assess your diabetes risk or monitor existing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common, but with early detection and proper management through our walk-in clinic, you can prevent serious complications.

Cholesterol testing at our walk-in clinic helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication when necessary. Our providers at each walk-in clinic location can review your results with you and create a plan to improve your cardiovascular health.

Immunizations

For families with children, our walk-in clinic provides all recommended pediatric immunizations. We can help you ensure your child stays current with vaccines required for school attendance and sports participation. Our providers understand that keeping track of your child’s vaccine schedule can be challenging, so we make it easy to get caught up at any walk-in clinic visit.

Chronic Disease

Our adult primary care providers diagnose and manage diseases such as asthma, hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases. Living with a chronic condition requires ongoing medical care, and our walk-in clinic system ensures you can access that care when you need it.

Asthma management is available at our walk-in clinic locations throughout New Orleans. If you’re experiencing increased asthma symptoms, need a refill on your inhaler, or want to discuss better control of your asthma, our providers can help. We can adjust your medications, provide education on asthma triggers, and ensure you have an action plan for managing flare-ups.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects millions of Americans and requires consistent monitoring and management. Our walk-in clinic offers a comprehensive blood pressure management program. We can provide blood pressure cuffs for home monitoring and help you understand how lifestyle changes and medications work together to control your blood pressure. Regular visits to our walk-in clinic help ensure your blood pressure stays in a healthy range.

Diabetes management is a core service at every St. Thomas walk-in clinic. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, our providers can monitor your blood sugar control, adjust your medications, and provide education on diet and exercise. We also offer diabetic eye exams using our retinal eye camera to screen for diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication that can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Heart disease management at our walk-in clinic includes monitoring of conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms. Our cardiology services provide comprehensive cardiovascular care, including diagnostic testing when needed. If you have a family history of heart disease or known cardiovascular conditions, regular visits to our walk-in clinic help you stay healthy.

Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, causes pain and limits mobility for many people. Our walk-in clinic providers can prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and pain, recommend exercises and physical therapy, and monitor for complications. You don’t need to wait weeks for an appointment when your arthritis is flaring up.

Osteoporosis management is important for preventing fractures, especially in older adults. Our walk-in clinic can assess your bone health, prescribe medications to strengthen bones, and provide guidance on calcium and vitamin D intake.

Physicals

Need a physical for a new job, the start of the school year, or to march in the next parade? There’s no need to search for a nearby walk-in clinic. Our primary care providers will be happy to provide you with the exam and documentation necessary.

Employment physicals are a common requirement when starting a new job, especially in healthcare, education, or positions requiring physical labor. Our walk-in clinic can complete the exam and fill out the required forms, often on the same day. We understand that starting a new job is exciting, and we don’t want delayed paperwork to hold you back.

School physicals are required before the start of each school year for many students. During back-to-school season, our walk-in clinic can get very busy with families needing these exams. We recommend calling early or submitting an online request to ensure your child’s physical is completed before school starts. Our providers will complete the required forms and can also update any needed immunizations during the same visit.

Sports physicals are necessary for students participating in school athletics or other organized sports programs. These exams assess whether it’s safe for your child to participate in physically demanding activities. Our walk-in clinic providers are experienced in sports physicals and can identify any conditions that might need attention before athletic participation.

If you’re looking for the closest urgent care New Orleans has to offer, then you’re likely in need of same day or next day care. That’s where St. Thomas’ walk-in clinic providers are able to offer you the same service our community has trusted for decades. Unlike standalone urgent care centers that you visit once and never return to, St. Thomas serves as your medical home. Our walk-in clinic is part of a comprehensive healthcare system where your providers know you, understand your health history, and can coordinate all aspects of your care.

Why Choose St. Thomas for Walk-In Appointments?

Quick Access to Care

Call us at 7AM or submit an online request in the morning to be seen the same day. No need to wait days or weeks for an appointment when you’re dealing with a health concern that needs immediate attention.

The traditional healthcare system often requires booking appointments weeks in advance, which simply doesn’t work when you’re sick or injured today. Our walk-in clinic model recognizes that health concerns don’t follow a convenient schedule. By opening our phone lines at 7AM and prioritizing same day appointments, we ensure you can access care when you actually need it.

Many of our patients tell us that the ability to get seen the same day has transformed their healthcare experience. Instead of suffering through days of illness while waiting for an appointment, or resorting to expensive emergency room visits for non-emergency conditions, you can simply call our walk-in clinic in the morning and receive care that same day. This approach reduces suffering, prevents conditions from worsening, and helps you get back to your daily life faster.

Comprehensive Services in One Location

From urgent care to ongoing treatment, our walk-in clinic providers handle everything from minor illnesses to chronic disease management. You won’t need to visit multiple facilities or see different providers for different health concerns.

St. Thomas Community Health Center offers a complete range of medical services under one roof. Our walk-in clinic includes primary care providers, specialists, mental health services, optometry, pharmacy services, and more. This integrated approach means that if you come in for a sick visit and your provider identifies another health concern, we can address it right away without referring you elsewhere.

Our walk-in clinic locations also include on-site laboratories for blood work and diagnostic testing, so you don’t need to make a separate trip to get tests done. Results are available quickly, allowing your provider to make informed decisions about your treatment during your visit.

The pharmacy services available at three of our locations (Magazine Street, Columbia Parc, and General DeGaulle) make it even more convenient to get your medications. Our pharmacists work directly with your walk-in clinic providers to ensure you receive the right medications at affordable prices. We can also help you access medication assistance programs if you’re uninsured or underinsured.

Affordable for Everyone

We accept all major insurance plans. No insurance? We offer services on a sliding scale based on your income. All patients are welcome at our walk-in clinic regardless of ability to pay.

Healthcare costs shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the care you need. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, St. Thomas is authorized to offer discounted rates on services and medications to qualifying patients. Our sliding fee scale means that what you pay is based on your income and family size, not on a one-size-fits-all pricing structure.

If you have insurance, our walk-in clinic accepts most major plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare, and many others. We also accept Medicaid plans including Healthy Blue, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, United Healthcare Community Plan, Aetna Better Health of LA, and LA Healthcare Connections. Medicare patients are welcome at all our walk-in clinic locations.

For those without insurance coverage, don’t let cost concerns keep you from seeking care. Our staff can help you determine if you qualify for Medicaid enrollment, and we have enrollment specialists on site who can assist with the application process. Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, our sliding scale ensures you can afford the care you need at our walk-in clinic.

Co-payment assistance programs are also available for certain medications and services. Our walk-in clinic staff can connect you with these resources to further reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Experienced Healthcare Providers

Our team includes Internal Medicine Physicians, Family Medicine providers, Nurse Practitioners, Physician’s Assistants, and specialists dedicated to your care. Every provider at our walk-in clinic is fully licensed and brings years of experience serving the New Orleans community.

Unlike some walk-in clinics staffed primarily by rotating providers who don’t know the community, St. Thomas providers are committed to serving New Orleans. Many of our providers have practiced here for years or even decades. They understand the unique health challenges facing our community, including higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, and they’re experienced in providing culturally competent care.

Our walk-in clinic providers include board-certified physicians in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and various specialties. Our Nurse Practitioners and Physician’s Assistants receive specialized training and are fully qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. When you visit our walk-in clinic, you can trust that you’re receiving care from skilled professionals.

St. Thomas Community Health Center is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. This recognition means we meet rigorous standards for coordinated, comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our walk-in clinic isn’t just about treating your immediate concern; it’s about ensuring you receive the best possible care as part of an integrated healthcare system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Walk-In Clinics

How long will I wait at your walk-in clinic?

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. Calling ahead or requesting an appointment online typically reduces your wait time significantly compared to walk-in visits without an appointment.

We recommend calling us at 7AM when our phone lines open, or submitting an online appointment request before 8AM. Patients who request appointments early in the morning are usually seen the same day with minimal wait time. If you simply walk into our clinic without calling first, you may experience longer waits, especially during busy times of day.

Peak times at our walk-in clinic tend to be late morning and early afternoon. If you have flexibility in your schedule, visiting earlier or later in the day often means shorter wait times. However, we always strive to see patients as quickly as possible, regardless of when you arrive.

For patients with urgent needs, we prioritize care based on medical necessity. If you’re experiencing a serious symptom that needs immediate attention, please let our staff know when you arrive or call ahead so we can ensure you’re seen promptly.

What services are available at your walk-in clinics?

Our walk-in clinic providers can treat common illnesses, minor injuries, provide physicals, immunizations, chronic disease management, preventive care screenings, and more. For emergency situations, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

Common illnesses treated at our walk-in clinic include colds, flu, sinus infections, ear infections, strep throat, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and stomach bugs. We can also evaluate and treat allergies, asthma flare-ups, and skin conditions like rashes, eczema, and infections.

Minor injuries such as sprains, strains, small cuts requiring stitches, minor burns, and other non-life-threatening injuries can be addressed at our walk-in clinic. Our providers can also remove stitches or staples, change wound dressings, and provide follow-up care for injuries.

Chronic disease management is a major focus at our walk-in clinic. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or other ongoing conditions, our providers can monitor your condition, adjust medications, and provide the ongoing care you need to stay healthy.

Women’s health services at our walk-in clinic include gynecological exams, Pap smears, birth control consultations, pregnancy testing, and prenatal care coordination. We also provide testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

Mental health services are available through our walk-in clinic system. We have Licensed Clinical Social Workers on staff who can provide counseling and support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

It’s important to note that our walk-in clinic is not appropriate for life-threatening emergencies. If you’re experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or other emergency symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Do you accept walk-ins for children?

Yes, our pediatric providers see walk-in patients of all ages. We offer immunizations, sick visits, physicals for school and sports, and routine checkups for infants, children, and teens.

Our walk-in clinic welcomes children from birth through adolescence. Parents know that children often get sick suddenly, and waiting several days for an appointment isn’t practical when your child is uncomfortable or in pain. Our pediatric providers at the walk-in clinic can quickly assess your child’s symptoms and provide treatment to help them feel better.

Common childhood illnesses like ear infections, strep throat, colds, flu, stomach bugs, and fevers are all treated at our walk-in clinic. We can also address skin conditions, minor injuries, and concerns about growth and development.

School and sports physicals are a major reason families visit our walk-in clinic, especially during back-to-school season in July and August. We can complete the required forms and ensure your child is healthy and ready to participate in school activities and sports.

Immunizations for children are available at every walk-in clinic visit. Our providers can check your child’s vaccination records and ensure they’re up to date with all recommended vaccines. Louisiana requires certain immunizations for school attendance, and our walk-in clinic can help you stay compliant with these requirements.

We also provide Ages and Stages developmental screenings for young children. Through grant funding, we’ve expanded our capacity to screen children ages 0-5 for developmental delays and connect families with early intervention services when needed.

What insurance do you accept at walk-in visits?

We accept most major insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and offer services on a sliding scale based on income for uninsured patients. All patients are welcome at our walk-in clinic regardless of ability to pay.

Major insurance plans accepted at our walk-in clinic include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare, Gilsbar 360, Vantage Healthplan, Verity HealthNet, Coventry, Aetna, and Peoples Health. Please note that there are various plans within each insurance provider’s network, so we recommend calling your insurance company to confirm we’re in network if you’re unsure.

For Medicaid recipients, we accept Healthy Blue (formerly Amerigroup), Amerihealth Caritas LA, United Healthcare Community Plan, Aetna Better Health of LA, and LA Healthcare Connections. If you already have coverage through one of these plans, we will bill that program for your walk-in clinic services. No co-payment is due for Medicaid patients.

Medicare is accepted at all our walk-in clinic locations. We bill Medicare directly for services, and you may be billed for any uncovered costs. You can pay your balance at the clinic.

If you don’t have insurance but think you may qualify for Medicaid, we have staff available on site at our walk-in clinic to assist you with enrollment and verification. Many people don’t realize they may be eligible for coverage, and our enrollment specialists can help you navigate the application process.

For those who don’t have insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid, our sliding fee scale ensures you can still afford care at our walk-in clinic. Fees are based on your income and family size. We’ll ask you to provide proof of income, which can include recent tax returns, pay stubs, benefit statements, or official letters documenting your financial situation. All income information is kept strictly confidential.

Where are your walk-in clinic locations in New Orleans?

We have convenient walk-in clinic locations throughout the New Orleans area, including Magazine Street, Columbia Parc, Gretna, and Algiers.

Our main location is the Donald T. Erwin Center at 1936 Magazine Street in New Orleans, 70130. This location is on the corner of Magazine Street and St. Andrew Street in the Irish Channel neighborhood. Off-street parking is available in the lot on St. Andrew Street behind the yellow Donald T. Erwin Center building. This walk-in clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Additional Magazine Street area locations include our walk-in clinic at 1020 St. Andrew Street, 2000 Magazine Street, and the Mary M. Abell, M.D. Primary Care Clinic at 2014 Magazine Street. All of these locations offer the same comprehensive walk-in clinic services and share the same convenient parking.

Our St. Thomas Pharmacy on Magazine Street (formerly the James J. Coleman Pharmacy) is located at 2010 Magazine Street, making it easy to get your prescriptions filled right after your walk-in clinic visit.

The Columbia Parc walk-in clinic is located at 3943 St. Bernard Avenue in New Orleans, 70122, on the corner of St. Bernard Avenue and Caton Street. This location also includes a pharmacy on site. The Columbia Parc walk-in clinic serves the Mid-City and Gentilly neighborhoods and is easily accessible by the 51 bus (Paris Avenue at Pleasure) or the 31 bus (Desaix Circle).

Our Gretna walk-in clinic is at 230 Ochsner Boulevard/Meadowcrest Street in Gretna, 70056. This location serves residents of the West Bank and is accessible by the W8 bus (Lapalco at Bannerwood). Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

The Holiday Drive walk-in clinic is located at 3500 Holiday Drive in New Orleans, 70114, in the Algiers neighborhood. This walk-in clinic is accessible by the 114 bus (General DeGaulle at Holiday) or the 105 bus (Holiday at Library). We also have a pharmacy at 3221 General DeGaulle Drive that serves this area.

All walk-in clinic locations can be reached at our main phone number: 504-529-5558. When you call, let us know which location is most convenient for you, and we’ll schedule your appointment at that site.

Ready to Get the Same Day Care You Need?

Don’t wait to feel better. Request your appointment using the form above, or call us now at 504-529-5558. Our walk-in clinic providers are ready to help you today.

At St. Thomas Community Health Center, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our walk-in clinic system ensures that when you need medical attention, you can get it quickly from experienced providers who care about your health and wellbeing.

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness, managing a chronic condition, need preventive care screenings, or require a physical for work or school, our walk-in clinic locations throughout New Orleans are here for you. With same day and next day appointments available, affordable care options for everyone, and comprehensive services under one roof, St. Thomas makes it easy to prioritize your health.

Our commitment to the New Orleans community goes back to 1987. For nearly four decades, we’ve provided high-quality, accessible healthcare to our neighbors. Our walk-in clinic model is just one way we live out our mission to provide culturally competent healthcare of the highest quality, regardless of ability to pay.

Call 504-529-5558 starting at 7AM, or submit an online appointment request before 8AM to be seen the same day. Our walk-in clinic providers look forward to serving you.