Blue Shield Urgent Care in Oakland and San Leandro: What to Expect at CityHealth
If you have Blue Shield of California and you need same-day medical care, CityHealth urgent care accepts Blue Shield — at both our Oakland (Montclair Village) and San Leandro locations. You can walk in or book an appointment online without a referral for most urgent care needs.
This guide covers exactly how Blue Shield works at CityHealth urgent care, what your copay looks like, which services are covered, and when to call ahead.
Does CityHealth Accept Blue Shield of California?
Yes. CityHealth urgent care accepts Blue Shield of California health insurance, including PPO, HMO, and individual plans. We also accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most major insurance carriers serving the East Bay.
Because we are in-network with Blue Shield PPO plans, your cost for an urgent care visit is typically just a specialist or urgent care copay — not a full out-of-pocket cost. HMO members may need to verify in-network status with their specific plan or call us before arriving.
What Is My Copay for Urgent Care with Blue Shield?
Your exact copay depends on your specific Blue Shield plan tier. Here is what most members pay for an urgent care visit in 2025–2026:
- Blue Shield PPO: $30–$75 urgent care copay (after deductible if applicable)
- Blue Shield HMO: $25–$50 copay if CityHealth is in-network for your plan
- Covered California plans (Blue Shield): Copays vary by metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- Medi-Cal (Blue Shield Promise): $0 copay for eligible members
To confirm your exact benefit before your visit, call the member services number on the back of your Blue Shield insurance card, or call CityHealth directly at (510) 984-2489 (Oakland) or (510) 481-3520 (San Leandro).
What Urgent Care Services Does Blue Shield Cover?
Blue Shield covers a wide range of urgent care services. At CityHealth, these include:
Illness Treatment
- Cold, flu, COVID-19, and respiratory infections
- Strep throat, ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis
- UTIs, bladder infections, yeast infections
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
- Fever evaluation and treatment
- Skin infections, rashes, and allergic reactions
Minor Injury Care
- Sprains, strains, and minor fractures (with X-ray)
- Cuts and lacerations requiring stitches
- Burns, bites, and wound care
- Eye injuries and pink eye
Preventive and Diagnostic Services
- Lab work and blood tests
- STI and STD testing
- TB tests (tuberculosis testing)
- Sports physicals and DOT physicals
- COVID-19 testing and treatment
Dermatology (Oakland Location)
- Acne treatment and management
- Eczema and skin rash evaluation
- Skin tag removal
- Dermatology consultations with board-certified providers
Blue Shield generally covers all of the above when they are medically necessary. Elective cosmetic procedures are not covered.
Do I Need a Referral to Use Blue Shield at Urgent Care?
For most urgent care visits, you do not need a referral. Blue Shield allows direct access to urgent care services without prior authorization for conditions that are not emergencies.
If you are on a Blue Shield HMO plan, you technically have a primary care physician (PCP) assigned. However, California law requires all HMO insurers — including Blue Shield — to cover urgent care services even when you cannot reach your PCP. You can go directly to CityHealth for urgent needs without calling your doctor first.
PPO members have even greater flexibility. You can visit any in-network urgent care provider — including CityHealth — without a referral or PCP approval.
What Is the Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Care with Blue Shield?
Your Blue Shield plan covers both urgent care and emergency room visits, but the cost-sharing is very different.
Urgent care copays are much lower — typically $30–$75. ER copays with Blue Shield commonly run $250–$500 or more, and that is before the hospital charges. If your condition is not life-threatening, choosing urgent care at CityHealth instead of the ER can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of wait time.
Choose urgent care for:
- Fevers, infections, colds, and flu
- Minor injuries like sprains and small cuts
- Rashes, allergic reactions (mild), and skin conditions
- UTIs, ear infections, strep throat
- Lab tests, physicals, and screenings
Go to the emergency room for:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke (sudden weakness, face drooping, slurred speech)
- Severe head injuries or loss of consciousness
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain or suspected appendicitis
CityHealth Accepts Blue Shield at Both Oakland and San Leandro
CityHealth has two convenient locations in the East Bay, both accepting Blue Shield of California:
CityHealth Oakland — Montclair Village
Address: 1970 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone: (510) 984-2489
Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–8pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am–6pm
Services: Urgent care, dermatology, virtual care, STI testing, lab work, physicals
CityHealth San Leandro
Address: 13600 East 14th Street, Suite 100, San Leandro, CA 94578
Phone: (510) 481-3520
Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–8pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am–6pm
Services: Urgent care, lab work, physicals, STI testing, COVID testing
For urgent care in Oakland and the broader East Bay, CityHealth offers same-day appointments and walk-ins. No referral needed for Blue Shield patients.
What If I Have Medi-Cal Through Blue Shield?
Blue Shield of California also administers Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) in many Bay Area counties under the name Blue Shield Promise. CityHealth accepts Medi-Cal, which means Blue Shield Promise members are also covered.
Medi-Cal typically covers urgent care with a $0 or very low copay for eligible patients. If you are enrolled in Blue Shield Promise through Covered California or a county program, you are welcome at CityHealth — bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID.
How to Prepare for Your Blue Shield Urgent Care Visit at CityHealth
To make your visit fast and hassle-free:
- Bring your Blue Shield insurance card (physical or digital on your phone)
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Know your copay — check your card or call member services beforehand
- Book online or walk in — online booking reduces your wait time
- List your current medications — write them down or have them on your phone
Our front desk team will verify your insurance eligibility at check-in. If there are any coverage questions, we will walk you through your options.
What About Blue Shield Telehealth or Virtual Care?
Many Blue Shield plans cover telehealth visits at a lower copay than in-person urgent care. CityHealth offers virtual care appointments for conditions that can be evaluated and treated remotely, including infections, rashes, medication refills, and follow-up visits.
Virtual care through CityHealth is convenient, covered by most Blue Shield plans, and available via your phone or computer. Ask about virtual care when you book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CityHealth urgent care take Blue Shield PPO?
Yes. CityHealth is in-network for most Blue Shield PPO plans. Your standard urgent care copay applies.
Does CityHealth take Blue Shield HMO?
Call us at (510) 984-2489 to verify in-network status for your specific HMO plan. California law still requires HMO coverage for urgent care services even if we are not listed as your PCP.
How much does urgent care cost with Blue Shield?
Most Blue Shield members pay $30–$75 for an urgent care visit after their copay. The exact amount depends on your plan tier and whether your deductible has been met.
Can I use Blue Shield for lab work at CityHealth?
Yes. CityHealth offers on-site lab work and diagnostic tests covered under most Blue Shield plans.
Does CityHealth accept Covered California Blue Shield plans?
Yes. We accept Blue Shield individual and family plans purchased through Covered California, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers.
Book Your Appointment Today
CityHealth urgent care accepts Blue Shield of California at our Oakland and San Leandro locations. Whether you need same-day treatment for an illness, a minor injury, lab work, or a physical, our team is ready to see you — with or without an appointment.
Walk in or book online — same-day appointments available in Oakland (Montclair Village) and San Leandro. We accept Blue Shield, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most major insurance plans.
Questions? Call us at (510) 984-2489 (Oakland) or (510) 481-3520 (San Leandro). CityHealth — East Bay’s family-owned urgent care, serving Oakland and San Leandro communities.
