When you or a loved one is hurt or ill, you want good, fast care. You often have four choices — Convenience Care, Doctor's Office, Urgent Care Center or Emergency Room. Deciding where to go depends on your situation. Here are some simple tips (and always bring your Medica member ID card).
Convenience Care |
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- For common minor ailments. Not for emergencies.
- Open weekdays and may be open after-hours, weekends or holidays.
- You don’t need an appointment.
| Convenience care sites are often found in grocery, retail and pharmacy stores such as Cub® Foods and Target®. Licensed providers at convenience care offices like MinuteClinic® can diagnose and recommend treatment for minor illnesses such as sore throats and ear infections. Convenience care is for children older than 18 months and adults. | Doctor's Office |
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- For preventive and routine care.
- If possible, call in advance.
| If it’s not urgent, it’s best to go to your primary care provider’s clinic or office. Your doctor knows you and your health history. He or she can access your medical records and provide follow-up care or refer you to specialists if needed. | Urgent Care Center |
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- For after-hours, non-emergency situations.
- You don’t need an appointment.
| Urgent care is a fast, affordable option for minor ailments. An urgent care center can help with: sprains and strains; minor broken bones; mild asthma attacks; minor infections and rashes; small cuts; flulike symptoms; sore throats. | Emergency Room (ER) |
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If your situation seems life-threatening, take action. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Go to the ER for: | The ER is for true emergencies. If you go to an ER for care that is not an emergency, it will be very expensive. You may have to wait a long time because those with emergencies will be attended to first. | - Heavy bleeding
- Large open wounds
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden weakness
- Sudden trouble talking
| - Chest pain
- Major burns
- Severe head injury
- Trouble breathing
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- Find A Doctor (at Medica.com/FindADoctor and www.myMedica.com)
- Medica CallLink® nurse line (If covered, the phone number is on your member ID card)
- Medica Customer Service (Call the phone number on your Medica ID card
- Your Provider Directory
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