Everyone knows that for a medical emergency you call 911. But what do you do for lesser injuries or illnesses? You have more options than you may realize, and there are good reasons for choosing any one of them.
Urgent care center. For sprains, strains, minor cuts and burns, common illnesses like the flu or a cold, things like ear infections, stomach pain, or cuts that might need stitches—all non-life-threatening matters that need immediate attention but aren't emergencies—your best choice is an urgent care center. Or let’s say you can’t wait for your doctor, or you can’t get an appointment, go to an urgent care center. These walk-in clinics are often open nights and weekends, and some locations can even offer lab analysis and x-rays in the event of fractures or sprains.
Emergency room. Of course, for serious injuries or illnesses such as heart attacks, serious trauma, severe abdominal pain, choking, unconsciousness or the inability to awaken, vomiting or coughing up blood, pregnancy complications, and severe allergic reactions, burns, and fractures, go straight to the emergency room. ERs are open 24/7. It is important however to keep in mind when you're weighing the decision between an ER vs. a walk-in clinic that copays at emergency rooms are typically much higher. Reserving the ER for true emergencies will save you time and money.
Virtual care. But there is another option, something still rather new, that can provide medical care for a wider range of conditions. It’s known as virtual care, telemedicine, or telehealth. You can use it for flu-like symptoms, sore throats, uncomplicated rashes, eye infections, coughs, cold symptoms without a significant fever, asthma flare-ups, headaches, and joint pain. You can also use virtual care to manage some long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure, COPD, or rheumatism.
Virtual care can be convenient and less expensive than other types of care and can eliminate exposure to other patients in a waiting room. If you have a mild health concern, and your PCP isn’t available for an appointment, turn to telemedicine. Telehealth makes it easy to receive medical attention – all you need is internet access and a cell phone, computer or tablet with video capabilities. Ninety percent of conditions that cause people to go to urgent care can be treated virtually.
For those of you who use Eder Medical Plan, the plan offers 24/7 virtual care, connecting you with specialists, providing mental health assessments and counseling, and even offering physical and occupational therapy—ensuring you get the comprehensive support you need, anytime, anywhere. Be sure to set up your account ahead of time, as registration is required before accessing treatment. This ensures you're prepared when an urgent need arises. Virtual care for Eder Medical Plan members is available via the My Highmark App or the Highmark BCBS website at highmark.com.
