Where to Go for Care
When you or a family member is hurt or suddenly becomes seriously ill, you want the best care. In a medical emergency, time can save lives. Serious illness or injury, such as a heart attack, leaves no question that you need emergency help as soon as possible. However, many people often use emergency rooms or urgent care centers for conditions that could be better treated in a doctor’s office.
The chart below can help you determine if a situation could be handled at an urgent care center or if it might require a visit to the emergency room.
When to use hospital emergency rooms |
When to use urgent care centers |
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A trip to the emergency room may be tempting, but it may not be the best choice. At the emergency room, true emergencies (as outlined below) are treated first. Other cases will wait (often for hours), and it will cost you more. If you’re experiencing any of the conditions below, you should seek emergency room care:
If a situation seems life-threatening, take action immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Also notify your doctor and make sure to contact your medical plan administrator within 48 hours if you or a covered dependent is admitted for treatment. |
If you need care fast, but it is not an emergency, try an urgent care center, if one is available nearby. They can treat many minor ailments, you may not have to wait as long, and it will cost you less. Urgent care centers can help with:
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Tip: When possible, it’s often best to seek care at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will be aware of your medical history, which will enable him or her to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.