Dr. Lisa Clay, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician | Co-Founder & Medical Director
PHYSICIAN-LED URGENT CARE IN CARMEL, INDIANA
Dr. Lisa Clay, MD
Founder & Medical Director, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care
Board-certified family physician · Nineteen years of clinical experience · Urgent care, not primary care
About Dr. Clay
I am Lisa Clay, the physician who started Monarch Medicine Urgent Care in May 2024.
I have practiced family medicine for nineteen years. Before Monarch, I spent those years inside the system — in clinics, in emergency rooms, watching patients move through waiting rooms full of people who needed less attention than they got, or more.
I started Monarch because I wanted to do urgent care differently. Same-day access. Real exam time. A physician who reviews your X-ray images with you, explains what we are seeing, and helps you understand the next step. Pricing you understand before treatment. Your visit notes flowing back to your primary care doctor through MyChart so your record stays intact.
Monarch Medicine is urgent care, not primary care. We are the place you come when you cannot get into your PCP today and you do not need an emergency room. That is what we do, and we want to do it well.
I built Monarch with my husband Todd, who leads the operations and business side of the clinic. I lead the clinical practice. Together we built a small clinic in Carmel, Indiana that we hope feels different from the moment you walk in.
Education & Credentials
- Medical Degree: University of Illinois School of Medicine
- Board Certification: Family Medicine, American Board of Family Medicine
- Residency Training: Family Medicine Residency, Muncie, Indiana
- Licensure: State of Indiana Medical License (verifiable through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency)
- Years of Practice: Nineteen years across family and urgent care medicine
My Care Philosophy
Urgent care should not feel rushed just because it is same-day care. People come to us when something is wrong, when they are worried, or when they cannot wait three weeks for an appointment.
My job is to listen, examine, explain what I think is happening, and help you leave with a plan you understand.
Areas of Clinical Focus
Urgent care for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. The conditions I see most often:
Acute Illness
Cold, flu, COVID, RSV, strep, sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, UTIs, mild allergic reactions, asthma symptoms without severe breathing distress, migraines, gastroenteritis.
Injury
Sprains, strains, minor fractures, lacerations requiring stitches, burns, animal bites, splinter and foreign object removal, splinting and crutches.
Pediatric Urgent Care
Fever, ear infections, strep, RSV, COVID, hand-foot-mouth, croup, minor injuries, asthma exacerbations.
Women's Health
UTIs, vaginitis, yeast infections, mastitis, STI testing, pregnancy testing.
Diagnostic Imaging & Lab
Digital X-ray, EKG, rapid testing (flu, strep, COVID, RSV, mono), urinalysis, LabCorp blood draws.
Physicals & Compliance
IHSAA sports physicals, healthcare student physicals (CastleBranch, Complio), pre-op evaluations, employment physicals, camp physicals, Tdap booster, TB testing, immunity titers.
When to call 911 or go to the ER instead: chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing trouble, severe allergic reaction, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or any life-threatening symptoms. Urgent care is for non-life-threatening illness and injury.
What I Do Not Do
I am not a primary care physician. I do not manage chronic disease, do annual wellness exams, or maintain an ongoing PCP panel. For those, you need your primary care doctor. If you do not have one, IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent, and Community Health Network are good places to check for primary care availability in the Carmel area.
FROM PATIENTS WE HEAR FROM OFTEN
Common Questions Patients Ask
Can I make Dr. Clay my primary care doctor?
No. I am an urgent care physician, not a primary care doctor. Some insurance directories list Monarch Medicine in primary care results — that is a directory error, not a service we offer. We work alongside your primary care doctor, not as one. If you do not have a PCP yet, IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent, and Community Health Network are good places to check for primary care availability in the Carmel area.
Does Dr. Clay see every patient who walks in?
No. I am one of the physicians on the Monarch team. We are physician-led, which means every patient is evaluated by a physician on our team — not through a non-physician-only visit model. But I do not personally see every visit. The available physician on duty will see you when you walk in.
Can I request to see Dr. Clay specifically?
Yes — ask when you book or call ahead. I cannot guarantee availability for walk-in visits, but if I am on duty when you arrive, we will do our best to honor that request.
Does Dr. Clay have admitting privileges at IU Health or Ascension?
Monarch Medicine is an outpatient clinic. We do not admit patients to a hospital. When inpatient or specialist care is needed, we refer and coordinate through Epic and MyChart so your care continues seamlessly.
What insurance does Dr. Clay accept?
The same as Monarch Medicine: Anthem BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Encore/IU Health Plans. We are not in network with Medicaid or Humana. Self-pay is also available — see our self-pay pricing.
How can I reach Dr. Clay between visits?
Through MyChart messaging if you have an existing visit on file with Monarch. For urgent clinical concerns, call (317) 804-4203 during open hours. For after-hours emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Does Dr. Clay see children?
Yes. I provide pediatric urgent care for children of all ages, including same-day evaluation for fever, ear infections, strep, RSV, COVID, and minor injuries. For well-child visits and routine immunizations, see your child's pediatrician.
DR. CLAY'S WRITING
Health Articles by Dr. Clay
I write articles for the Monarch blog to help patients understand common conditions, when to come in, and when to wait it out. Browse the latest below.
The Cost of Urgent Care vs. the ER — What You’ll Actually Pay
The Cost of Urgent Care vs ER — What You’ll Actually Pay | Monarch Medicine Carmel Dr. Lisa Clay, MD Founder & Medical Director, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care Board-Certified Family Physician · Carmel, Indiana Most patients who go to the ER for non-emergency conditions do so because they don’t realize urgent care can handle it…
Strep Throat: Symptoms, Rapid Testing & Same-Day Treatment | Monarch Medicine Carmel
Strep Throat: Symptoms, Rapid Testing & Same-Day Treatment | Monarch Medicine Carmel Dr. Lisa Clay, MD Founder & Medical Director, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care Board-Certified Family Physician · Carmel, Indiana Strep throat is one of the most common reasons patients walk into Monarch Medicine — and one of the most important to diagnose correctly. Untreated…
The Little Clinic at Kroger Is Closing in Carmel & Fishers — Here’s Where to Go Instead
Little Clinic at Kroger Closed in Carmel & Fishers — Where to Go Now | Monarch Medicine Dr. Lisa Clay, MD Founder & Medical Director, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care Board-Certified Family Physician · Carmel, Indiana The Little Clinic at Kroger Is Closing in Carmel & Fishers — Here’s Where to Go Instead If The Little…
Does MinuteClinic Have X-Ray?
Does MinuteClinic Have X-Ray? What CVS Can’t Do (And We Can) | Monarch Medicine Dr. Lisa Clay, MD Founder & Medical Director, Monarch Medicine Urgent Care Board-Certified Family Physician · Carmel, Indiana Does MinuteClinic Have X-Ray? What CVS Can’t Do — And What We Can If you’re Googling “does MinuteClinic have X-ray” before driving to…
Urgent Care vs ER in Carmel — What the Difference Actually Costs You
Urgent Care vs ER in Carmel — What the Difference Actually Costs You | Monarch Medicine Home›Blog›Urgent Care vs ER in Carmel Patient Resources Urgent Care vs ER in Carmel — What the Difference Actually Costs You One decision made in the driveway can save you $2,000. Here’s how to make it correctly. Written by…
Swift Strep Throat Relief in Carmel
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can cause significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. This article will explore the symptoms associated with strep throat, the diagnostic process, and effective treatment options available in Carmel, Indiana. Understanding these aspects is crucial for timely intervention and recovery. Many individuals experience confusion between strep throat…
Strep Throat Treatment Carmel IN | Same-Day Pediatric Care
If your child wakes up with a severe sore throat and fever, you need answers fast—not a 3-day wait for a pediatrician appointment. At Monarch Medicine Urgent Care in Carmel, Indiana, we provide rapid strep testing with results in just 10 minutes and same-day antibiotic treatment from a board-certified physician. Here’s what sets us apart:…
Strep Throat Treatment Carmel Indiana
Strep Throat Treatment in Carmel, IN: Same-Day Testing & Care at Monarch Medicine Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can cause significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. This article will explore the symptoms associated with strep throat, the diagnostic process, and effective treatment options available in Carmel, Indiana. Understanding these aspects is…
Monarch Medicine Primary Care
Home » Monarch Medicine Primary Care Book An Appointment Today MyChart Monarch Medicine Primary Care Monarch Medicine • Carmel, IN Primary Care Relationship-based, patient-centered primary care led by Dr. Lisa Clay. Same warm, efficient experience you expect from our urgent care—now for your everyday health. Make An Appointment Call (317) 804-4203 Visit monarchmedicine.org What Our…
Flu Season 2025: Get Tested & Treated Fast at Monarch Medicine Urgent Care
Fall and winter in Carmel bring more than cooler temperatures—they usher in flu season alongside surges in COVID-19, strep throat, and RSV. At Monarch Medicine, our rapid diagnostic testing delivers results in minutes so you receive the right treatment before symptoms worsen. Walk-ins are always welcome—no appointment needed. What Is Flu Season and When Does…
WHERE DR. CLAY PRACTICES
Monarch Medicine — What We Do
Urgent Care in Carmel
Walk-in same-day care for illness and injury, seven days a week.
Full Services List
Every service Monarch offers, organized by category.
Self-Pay Pricing
Transparent rates for patients without insurance.
Healthcare Student Physicals
CastleBranch, Complio, Tdap, TB testing, titers.
WHAT PATIENTS SAY
Read What Carmel Families Say About Monarch
Real reviews from real patients, pulled directly from Google. We have earned a 5.0 rating across more than 170 reviews. Read what your neighbors are saying.
Walk In and See a Physician on Our Team
Same-day urgent care in Carmel. No appointment needed. Most insurance accepted.
Book An Appointment Call (317) 804-4203
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat–Sun 9am–12pm
90 Executive Drive, Suite A & B, Carmel, IN 46032
How This Page Is Maintained
This is the bio page of Dr. Lisa Clay, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Monarch Medicine Urgent Care. Education, board certification, and licensure listed here are current as of May 2026. Indiana medical license verification is publicly available through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Page content is reviewed quarterly and updated when credentials change.
The health information provided on this website and in Dr. Clay's articles is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. For life-threatening conditions, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.