What’s the difference between urgent care and the emergency room?

Urgent care treats non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need same-day attention — such as flu, sprains, minor lacerations, infections, and rashes. Visit the ER for life-threatening conditions like chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, head trauma, broken bones, or difficulty breathing. When in doubt, call 911.

Is Cermak Immediate Care LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes. We provide compassionate, inclusive care for patients from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities, in a safe and welcoming environment.

Do you have Spanish-speaking providers?

Sí, hablamos español. Spanish-speaking providers and staff are available at both Cermak Immediate Care locations to assist patients in their preferred language — an important part of serving the Cicero and Pilsen & McKinley Park communities.

How do I pay my bill?

You can pay online through our secure Healow Pay portal, in person at either clinic, or by calling your visit location directly.

How much does an urgent care visit cost without insurance?

Cermak Immediate Care offers transparent self-pay pricing with no hidden fees. Costs vary by visit type and any services performed (labs, procedures, testing). View our self-pay pricing page or call to verify pricing before your visit.

Do you treat children at Cermak Immediate Care?

Yes, our providers treat patients of all ages, including children, for urgent and primary care needs.

Can Cermak Immediate Care perform DOT or work physicals?

Yes. We are certified to perform DOT physicals for commercial drivers, employer-required work physicals, school physicals, and sports physicals at both Cicero and Chicago locations.

Do you offer COVID-19, flu, and STD testing?

Yes. We provide rapid and PCR COVID-19 testing, flu testing, and confidential STD testing including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea screening. Most results are available on-site or within 24–48 hours via our in-house lab.

Does Cermak Immediate Care offer primary care, or only urgent care?

We offer both. In addition to walk-in urgent care, Cermak Immediate Care provides ongoing primary care, annual physicals, chronic disease management (diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure), women's health, birth control consultations, and preventive screenings for adults and children.

Where is Cermak Immediate Care located?

We have three urgent care clinics serving the Cicero, Chicago, and Little Village areas: Cicero (5741 W Cermak Rd, IL 60804) Chicago (2408 W Cermak Rd, IL 60608) Little Village (3752 W. 26th Street, IL 60623) (Coming Soon)

What are Cermak Immediate Care’s hours?

Our Cicero location is open Monday through Sunday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Our Chicago location is open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Both clinics are open weekends and most holidays.

Can I book an urgent care appointment online?

Yes. You can book online at either Cermak Immediate Care location — Cicero (708-222-0100) or Chicago (773-289-0233) — through our online booking partner, or call the location nearest you to schedule a visit.

Do I need an appointment to visit Cermak Immediate Care?

No appointment is required. Walk-ins are welcome at both Illinois locations during open hours — Cicero (7 AM – 12 AM) and Chicago (8 AM – 9 PM), seven days a week. For shorter wait times, book online or call ahead.

Sore Throat for Cicero and Chicago, IL

Sore Throat services offered in Cicero and Chicago, IL

More than 5 million people in the United States visit the doctor every year because of strep throat (a common cause of a sore throat). At Cermak Immediate Care in Cicero and the neighborhood of Pilsen & McKinley Park in Chicago, Illinois, their team can determine the cause of a sore throat with prompt, personalized, on-site testing and offer relief using highly effective treatments. Schedule an appointment by phone, request one online, or simply walk into the office today.

Cicero Chicago – Pilsen & McKinley Park Chicago – Little Village

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat is often the result of strep throat, a condition caused by group A streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. A strep throat infection and other causes of a sore throat can cause the following symptoms:

Painful swallowing
Red, swollen tonsils
Stomachache
White patches on the throat lining
Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
Vomiting
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Rash
Scratchy throat
Throat pain
Irritation

You could also experience swollen or sore glands in your neck or jaw and a muffled or hoarse voice. You might have a cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, headache, weakness, or body aches if an infection is involved.

What are the common causes of a sore throat?

A sore throat can develop because of:

Colds
Flu
COVID-19
Mono
Measles
Chickenpox
Tonsillitis
Strep throat
Tobacco smoke and other air pollutants
Allergies
Dry air
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Throat muscle straining
Tissue abscess
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Tumors of the throat, voice box, and tongue

Visit Cermak Immediate Care if a sore throat lasts longer than a few days, is severe, or you have additional symptoms.

If you experience difficulty breathing or other alarming symptoms with a sore throat, call 911 or head immediately to a nearby emergency room.

How is a sore throat diagnosed?

Cermak Immediate Care offers on-site lab testing (throat swab) to screen for strep throat, flu, and other potential causes of a sore throat.

Your provider also checks your temperature and other vital signs, examines your throat to look for redness and white patches, completes a physical exam, and discusses your symptoms and medical history. They determine the cause of a sore throat to effectively treat your condition.

How is a sore throat treated?

Your throat swab sample is tested for strep bacteria using a rapid test that takes less than 15 minutes. If you have strep throat, taking antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection.

If the cause of your sore throat is something else, like mononucleosis or the flu, the Cermak Immediate Care team could suggest other medications, home remedies, lifestyle changes, or refer you to another specialist.

Don’t live with a painful sore throat when help is within reach at Cermak Immediate Care. Schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office, booking an appointment online, or simply walking in today.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Cermak Immediate Care treat?

We treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries including flu, COVID-19, strep throat, ear infections, UTIs, sore throat, lacerations, sprains and strains, minor burns, work injuries, and rashes. We also offer primary care, STD testing, physicals, women's health, and management of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

How long is the wait at an urgent care clinic in Cicero or Chicago?

Most patients are seen within 15–30 minutes of arrival, though wait times vary by location, time of day, and visit complexity. To minimize your wait, book your visit online in advance or call the location nearest you before walking in.

What insurance does Cermak Immediate Care accept?

Cermak Immediate Care accepts most major insurance plans, including PPO, HMO, and Medicare. We also offer transparent self-pay pricing with no hidden fees for uninsured or out-of-network patients. Call either location to verify your specific plan, or view our insurance and self-pay pricing page.

Do you accept walk-ins at Cermak Immediate Care?

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at both Cermak Immediate Care locations — Cicero and Chicago, Illinois — seven days a week. The Cicero clinic is open 7 AM to 12 AM, and the Chicago clinic is open 8 AM to 9 PM. No appointment is required, though you can book online or call ahead to reduce your wait time.

View All