When you or a loved one is hurt or ill, you want to feel better fast. Where to go for care depends on your situation. Here are some tips for deciding whether to visit a convenience care clinic, doctor's office, urgent care center or emergency room. (And always remember to bring your Medica member ID card when receiving care.)
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Convenience Care |
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- For common minor ailments such as sore throats and ear infections.
- Not for emergencies.
- May be open after-hours, weekends or holidays.
- No appointment needed.
- For those 18 months and older.
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Convenience care sites are often found in grocery stores, shopping malls, pharmacies and other retail stores. Examples include MinuteClinic® and Target Clinic®. Convenience care clinics are usually staffed by a nurse practitioner or other licensed professional and do not typically have a medical doctor on site.
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Doctor's Office |
- For preventive and routine care.
- Appointment usually needed.
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For non-urgent problems, it’s best to see your primary care provider. Your doctor knows you and your health history and can easily access your medical records. He or she can also provide follow-up care or refer you to specialists if needed.
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Urgent Care Center |
- For minor ailments that need immediate care.
- Not for emergencies.
- Open weeknights and often weekends and/or holidays.
- No appointment needed.
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Urgent care centers treat sprains and strains, minor broken bones, mild asthma attacks, minor infections and rashes, small cuts, flu-like symptoms, sore throats and other minor ailments that need immediate attention.
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Emergency Room (ER) |
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The ER is for true emergencies.
Go to the ER for: |
Don't go to the ER for minor problems. If you do, you may have a long wait because patients with true emergencies will be seen first. Plus, care at an ER for minor problems can cost more than 10 times as much as care at a clinic or other care option.
If your situation seems life threatening, go to an ER or call 911 right away.
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- Heavy bleeding
- Large open wounds
- Signs of stroke (sudden change in vision, sudden weakness, sudden trouble talking)
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- Chest pain
- Major burns
- Severe head injury
- Trouble breathing
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