Kaiser Permanente: Northern California Urgent Care Expansion

Kaiser Permanente is expanding and standardizing Urgent Care services across Northern California to give members more choice, consistency, and convenience.

What’s changing?

Kaiser is introducing new Urgent Care services, and enhancing existing ones within Kaiser Permanente facilities to provide a consistent experience across Northern California. Members will have access to standardized hours, services, and convenient locations inside existing Kaiser Permanente facilities.

Scheduled Openings

• Now open: Dublin, Folsom*, Fresno, Manteca, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Scotts Valley, South Sacramento, and Vacaville
• Coming soon: Modesto, Napa*, Sacramento**
• Hours and location information: Hours of operation and available services may vary by location. For the most current Urgent Care locations, hours, services, and appointment options, visit the Northern California Urgent Care Clinics webpage.

General Information

1. What is Urgent Care? What services should a member go to Urgent Care for?

An Urgent Care need is one that requires prompt medical attention, usually within 24 or 48 hours, but is not an emergency medical condition.

Urgent Care is designed to treat acute minor injuries and illnesses, such as:

• Minor injuries and cuts
• Backaches
• Sore throats and earaches
• Upper respiratory symptoms
• Frequent urination or a burning sensation when urinating

If a member believes they’re having a medical or psychiatric emergency, they should always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Kaiser members can always call the Appointments and Advice Care Center for help determining where to go. Primary Care may also be an appropriate option. For the complete definition of medical or psychiatric emergency, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents.

2. Why is Kaiser Permanente making this change?

This change allows Kaiser Permanente to better meet the needs of members and patients by offering more choice in how they access care. By offering a new, consistent Urgent Care service, they’re enhancing the care experience to better serve their members and patients when they have Urgent Care needs, as well as expanding access to Urgent Care in more locations.

3. How can members access Urgent Care?

Members will be able to access Urgent Care services across Northern California by booking appointments online, calling the Appointments and Advice Care Center, or walking into a Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care location.

4. Will Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care services be available to pediatric patients?

All Urgent Care locations will care for members as young as 2 months old. For patients under 2 months old, members should call the Appointments and Advice Care Center. If a member feels their child is having a medical or psychiatric emergency, they should always call 911 or go directly to the emergency department.

5. Are Urgent Care visits covered under current Kaiser Permanente plans? Will there be any changes to member benefits or coverage with these new Urgent Care facilities?

Yes, services delivered through Urgent Care departments are included within a member’s Kaiser Permanente health plan. Copays may apply based on the members’ plan benefits. Members should reference their plan details for more information about what copays they may be subject to when using Urgent Care.

6. How will the Northern California Urgent Care experience compare to Southern California’s Urgent Care experience?

Both Northern California (NCAL) and Southern California (SCAL) are focused on delivering a high-quality, convenient Urgent Care experience for our members.

SCAL has an established model with 24 branded Urgent Care centers open 7 days a week, including holidays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This approach provides broad access and flexibility for members who prefer walk-in care, while also offering the option to book online for added convenience.

NCAL is introducing a standardized Urgent Care experience that combines walk-in availability with appointment scheduling options. KP Online Booking will be available for all patients. NCAL centers will maintain consistent branding and operate during standard hours of at least 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays, with most locations open beyond these minimum hours.

In summary, SCAL offers a well-established walk-in model with extended hours and online booking options, while NCAL is introducing a standardized experience that includes walk-in availability, appointment scheduling, and flexible hours that cover evenings, weekends, and holidays. Both regions are committed to delivering convenient, high-quality care and expanding access for Kaiser members.

* Satellite location: non-medical center-based location with limited diagnostic capabilities.

** For other locations not listed, Kaiser Permanente offers same- or next-day appointments or Minor Injury Clinics.