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 |
| Convenience care sites often are found in grocery, retail and pharmacy stores such as Cub Foods® and Target®. Licensed providers at convenience care offices (MinuteClinic™ is an example) 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. | - For common minor ailments. Not for emergencies.
- Open weekdays and may be open after-hours, weekends or holidays.
- You don't need an appointment.
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| Doctor's Office |
| 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, he or she can provide follow-up care or refer you to specialists. | - For preventive and routine care.
- If possible, call in advance.
|
| Urgent Care Center |
| 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; flu-like symptoms; sore throats. | - For after-hours, non-emergency situations.
- You don't need an appointment.
|
| Emergency Room (ER) |
The ER is for true emergencies. If you go to an ER for non-emergency care, it will be very expensive. You may have to wait a long time because the emergencies come first.
If your situation seems life-threatening, take action. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Go to the ER for:
- Heavy bleeding
- Large open wounds
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden weakness
- Sudden trouble walking
- Chest pain
- Major burns
- Severe head injury
- Trouble breathing
| Be A Good Health Care Consumer
The right Care at the Right Time and the Right Place is Your Best Value.
Approximate costs for treatment at:
Doctor's Office Urgent Care Emergency Room Ear Infection $74Doctor's Office $99Urgent Care $335Emergency Room Bronchitis $81Doctor's Office $107Urgent Care $387Emergency Room
Non-emergency care in an Emergency Room is 4 to 5 times more expensive! |
Helpful Resources
- Find-A-doctor (at www.medica.com 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 member ID card
- Your Provider Directory
- Your Plan Document