WALK-IN COLD & FLU TREATMENT IN CARMEL
Cold & Flu Treatment — Walk-In, Same-Day Care
Feeling miserable? Don’t wait days for a primary care appointment. Walk into Monarch Medicine for physician-led cold and flu evaluation, rapid testing, and same-day treatment — including antivirals when clinically appropriate.
Evaluated and treated by a Monarch physician — led by Dr. Lisa Clay, MD — and licensed clinical staff | Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week
Rapid Flu Testing
Results in 15 minutes with on-site rapid diagnostics
Walk-In Friendly
No appointment needed — open 7 days a week
Insurance Accepted
Most major plans accepted + affordable self-pay rates
Prescriptions Called In For Convenience
Antivirals, antibiotics, and supportive medications prescribed same-day when indicated
WHEN TO COME IN
When to Visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room
Most cold and flu cases are safely treated at Monarch Medicine. Here’s how to know when urgent care is right — and when to go to the ER instead.
✓ Visit Monarch Medicine When:
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Symptoms worsening after initial improvement
- Persistent cough with colored mucus
- Ear pain or sinus pressure not improving
- Flu symptoms within 48 hours (the antiviral treatment window)
- You need a rapid flu, COVID, or strep test
- Your child has a fever above 100.4°F
⚠ Go to the ER When:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Confusion, inability to stay awake
- Severe dehydration (no urination, dizziness)
- Fever above 104°F that won’t respond to medication
- Bluish lips or face
- Infant under 3 months with any fever
PHYSICIAN-LED CARE
More Than a Swab and a Script
At retail clinics, you get a rapid test and a prescription. At Monarch Medicine, Dr. Lisa Clay, MD evaluates your full clinical picture — symptom severity, onset timing, underlying health conditions, and medication interactions — before recommending treatment.
This matters because not every flu-like illness is influenza. Strep throat, COVID-19, RSV, and bacterial pneumonia can all mimic flu symptoms. Dr. Clay performs the differential diagnosis that a retail clinic workflow doesn’t support, ensuring you get the right treatment — not just the fastest one.
"When patients come in thinking they have the flu, about 30% of the time it turns out to be something else entirely. That’s why a physician evaluation matters — the right diagnosis drives the right treatment." — Dr. Lisa Clay, MD, Owner & Medical Director
COMPREHENSIVE COLD & FLU CARE
What We Diagnose & Treat
Monarch Medicine provides complete evaluation and treatment for the full spectrum of cold and flu-related illness:
- ✓ Influenza A and B (with rapid testing)
- ✓ Common cold and upper respiratory infections
- ✓ COVID-19 testing and treatment
- ✓ Bronchitis and chest congestion
- ✓ Secondary bacterial infections (sinus, ear, chest)
- ✓ Fever evaluation and management
- ✓ Dehydration assessment
- ✓ Flu complications screening (pneumonia, worsening symptoms)
We also treat children with cold and flu symptoms. Visit our pediatrics page for more information on pediatric urgent care.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Visit in 4 Simple Steps
1
Walk In or Check In Online
No appointment needed. Walk in during open hours or save time by checking in through MyChart.
2
Rapid Evaluation & Testing
Dr. Clay evaluates your symptoms and orders rapid flu, COVID, or strep testing as clinically indicated. Results in 15 minutes.
3
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Based on your results, a Monarch physician prescribes the appropriate treatment — antivirals for flu, antibiotics for secondary infections, or supportive care with specific guidance.
4
Prescriptions & Follow-Up
Prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy before you leave. We provide a clear follow-up plan and aftercare instructions. Return if symptoms worsen.
Every visit is physician-led at our walk-in urgent care in Carmel — meet Dr. Lisa Clay, MD, founder and medical director.
INSURANCE & PRICING
Accepted Insurance & Self-Pay Options
Monarch Medicine accepts most major insurance plans for cold and flu visits. We also offer transparent self-pay pricing for patients without insurance.
Insurance Plans Accepted:
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and most other major carriers. We are not in network with Medicaid or Humana. Not sure if we accept your plan? Call us at (317) 804-4203.
No Insurance? No Problem.
We offer affordable self-pay rates with clear in-office pricing. Visit our self-pay pricing page for current rates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cold & Flu FAQ
Do I need an appointment to be seen for cold or flu symptoms?
No. Monarch Medicine is walk-in friendly 7 days a week. You can also check in ahead of time through MyChart.
How quickly can I get a flu test?
We perform rapid influenza testing on-site with results in approximately 15 minutes. A Monarch physician will determine if testing is clinically indicated based on your symptoms and exposure history.
Can you prescribe Tamiflu?
Yes. If your rapid flu test is positive and you’re within 48 hours of symptom onset, a Monarch physician can prescribe oseltamivir (Tamiflu) when clinically appropriate. Antivirals are most effective when started early, which is why prompt evaluation matters.
Do you treat children with cold and flu symptoms?
Yes. Monarch Medicine treats patients of all ages, including children. Visit our pediatrics page for more details on our pediatric services.
Do I need antibiotics for a cold?
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections like the common cold or influenza. However, if a Monarch physician identifies a secondary bacterial infection — such as bacterial sinusitis, ear infection, or bronchitis — antibiotics may be prescribed for that specific complication.
Do you accept insurance for cold and flu visits?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including Anthem, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna. We are not in network with Medicaid or Humana. We also offer affordable self-pay pricing.
What makes a visit here different from a retail clinic?
You’re evaluated by a physician who examines your full clinical picture. A Monarch physician performs a complete differential diagnosis, can order an X-ray on-site if pneumonia is suspected, and manages complex cases in the same visit.
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Our Patients Say
★★★★★
"Dr. Clay was fantastic! I wish she did primary care. She’s very caring, spends the time, and is very knowledgeable and transparent. 10/10 the kind of care you want for your family. The office is clean and staff is prompt and friendly !!."
—Lisa Lucheon
★★★★★
"The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring when I brought my daughter in. They created a welcoming environment with coffee, water, and snacks in the waiting area, which was a thoughtful touch. I also really appreciated their clear in-office pricing. They bill insurance but also offer very reasonable cash-pay options, which provides peace of mind compared to the unpredictable costs of an ER visit. Most importantly, the experience felt personal rather than rushed. Highly recommend if you’re looking for compassionate, patient-centered care."
—Brittany Carter
★★★★★
"All of my future urgent care visits will be here!! Todd and DR. Clay are amazing and extremely fast they both listen and are very thorough!!!"
— Michael Young
MEDICALLY REVIEWED
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Clay, MD — board-certified physician, owner and medical director of Monarch Medicine Urgent Care in Carmel, Indiana. Last reviewed: March 2026.
Cold and flu treatment at Monarch Medicine is provided for evaluation, diagnosis, and symptom management. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Patients experiencing severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or high fever unresponsive to medication should seek emergency care. All treatment is provided by licensed clinical staff under physician supervision.
Feeling Sick? Walk In Today.
Rapid flu testing, same-day treatment, prescriptions before you leave. No appointment needed.
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat–Sun 9am–12pm