Unexpected health issues often bring on stress and worry, but understanding where to go for care can make the situation easier to deal with. Understanding the right place to get care can help you get treatment quickly, avoid long waits, and prevent high medical bills. Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of places to get care and the advantages of each.
Primary care doctor
Good choice for non-urgent concerns
• Best for regular check-ups and preventive care
• Knows your medical history and can coordinate care
• Helps manage long-term or chronic health conditions
Urgent care center
Good for quick care when it’s not an emergency
• Treats issues like sore throats, sprains, small cuts, or pinkeye
• You usually don’t need an appointment to get seen
• Often open longer than other providers’ offices—many have regular evening and weekend hours
Emergency room
For serious or life-threatening conditions. Go to the ER or call 911 for:
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Heavy bleeding or deep cuts
• Broken bones
• Signs of stroke (sudden confusion, trouble speaking)
• Drug or alcohol overdose
Keep your wallet healthy, too!
Choosing in-network care can help you avoid large medical bills and keep your out-of-pocket costs lower. Always check with your insurance plan to make sure any provider or facility you plan to use is covered.
A little preparation can go a long way
Before a health issue happens, find in-network health providers and facilities local to you and keep their information handy—that way you’ll know exactly where to go if the need arises. Similarly, if you’re planning on traveling, look up in-network care near your destination and bring those addresses and phone numbers along.
A little preparation can help you stay calm and avoid surprise or larger-than-expected costs if a health issue happens. Take a few minutes to get prepared now to make life easier for yourself in the future!
