Moffitt Urgent Care FAQ

No, it is not a designated emergency room or emergency department. It is not intended for patients with trauma, suspected heart emergencies, stroke, or other conditions requiring emergency medical services.

• Urgent Care cannot accept patient transfers via 911 ambulance/EMS.
• Only established Moffitt patients can be seen and evaluated in the UC.

Yes, you can. It is no longer necessary for you to call your clinic before coming to the UC if you need care right away. You may come directly to Urgent Care.

• We do not create appointments.
• If possible, we suggest you reach out to a member of your healthcare team so they know you are being seen in the UC.
• The healthcare professionals in the UC work in close partnership with your Moffitt doctor and will communicate the care you received in the UC with your clinic team.
• You will be checked in and seen by the triage registered nurse. We will ask you the reason for your visit and take your vital signs. You may be seen by a mid-level provider who will perform a physical exam, order lab tests and possibly diagnostic tests such as an X-ray. These can usually be performed in the UC. After testing is complete, you will return to the waiting room.
• If you are being admitted, you will wait in the UC for a room assignment.

Patient safety is our utmost concern. Patients are prioritized and seen based on the severity of illness or injury, not on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• We triage (assess) patients for immediate/life-threatening illness/injury first, we then triage for illnesses not immediately life-threatening and last, those patients who fall into a less urgent need will then be seen.
• If someone with a more severe need arrives after you, they will be seen first even if you have been waiting.
• Medical emergencies can be unpredictable but need to be seen and treated first.

Waiting times in Urgent Care will vary and are unpredictable. We understand you are not feeling well.

• Please be patient as our team will bring you into a treatment area as quickly and safely as possible.
• We ask that you do not eat or drink while you are waiting to be seen.

We do not hold beds for patients that are coming into the UC. We will see you and treat you as quickly and in the safest manner possible.

If you are in need of an in-hospital bed, we will arrange for your admission.

Your physician can see you in the UC; however, they generally defer to the treatment team in the UC to perform necessary diagnostic tests and treatment.

The UC team will reach out to your primary Moffitt physician with their findings and recommendations during or shortly after your visit.

Patient families and caregivers are an important part of the healthcare team. Given that COVID is a concern, our visitation rules constantly change.

• Please ask for the most up-to-date visitor policy.
• For the health and safety of our patients, we ask that families and visitors use the public restroom in the waiting room.
• There are several restrooms outside of the UC near the main lobby of the hospital.

If you are being admitted to the hospital from the UC, information is provided to staff in the Patient Placement & Transfer Center who will locate the most appropriate in-hospital nursing bed.

• If you are admitted for observation, you will stay in the UC for your care.
• While delays do occur, you will be provided the same level of care in the UC as you would receive in the in-hospital nursing unit.
• We will do our best to ensure your comfort.