She Needed an EpiPen. But First, an Urgent Care Asked Her To Pay. By Phil Galewitz Photos by Eric Harkleroad Oct. 29, 2026

https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/urgent-care-prepay-allergic-reaction-sting-virginia-bill-of-the-month-october-2026/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20First%20Edition&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--u9U7LelNpg8ZEFI6pKJ3GRI6KtEGpitjRFEXSGd_r-NKLAPy-ZYm4R60MeAoKH0KP85oURzEk3_eur-EMXptnj3wFTw&_hsmi=446544410&utm_content=446544410&utm_source=hs_email KFF Health News: She Needed An EpiPen. But First, An Urgent Care Asked Her To Pay Stephanie Rowell was standing on her parents’ front porch in July when a wasp stung her left arm. She said that almost immediately her arm felt like it was “on fire,” her body started itching all over, and her face became swollen and red.Rowell, 53, took Benadryl, and her father started driving her to the nearest emergency room, about 25 minutes away. But after driving for 10 minutes they spotted a TruHealthNow urgent care facility in Purcellville, Virginia, and decided to stop, hoping she would get help faster. (Galewitz, 10/29)