Emergency Room or Urgent Care? Know Where to Go.

Unnecessary emergency room visits can be a real hassle and can leave you stuck with a big bill you don’t need. That’s where urgent care comes in.

We contract with several urgent care centers. By visiting an urgent care, you may save time and money and get the health care you need.

How to know if it’s URGENT or an EMERGENCY

Urgent Care

Urgent care conditions are non-life threatening and may include:

Ear infections
Colds and other respiratory problems including coughs and congestion
Sprains and strains
Most abdominal pain
Vomiting and diarrhea
Most cuts, burns, fevers and back pain

Emergency Care

Emergency room visits are for the sudden onset of a life-threatening condition and may include:

Serious burns
Major trauma
Poisoning
Serious breathing difficulties
Heavy bleeding
Severe chest pain
Sudden paralysis

If you have a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. The emergency room is for the treatment of life-threatening conditions which require immediate medical attention. If not a true emergency, you may be responsible for the entire cost of the visit.

We’re On Call

If you’re unsure about your condition, our 24-hour Telephone Advice Nurse may be able to help. Call toll-free 1-800-288-2264, TTY 711, to speak to a licensed, registered nurse about your health questions and concerns.

The ER isn't your only option.

It's important to know where to go for the type of care you need. Find out what other health care services are available to you.

The emergency room is for the treatment of life-threatening conditions which require immediate medical attention. If not a true emergency, you may be responsible for the entire cost of the visit.

Where to go for care

It’s important to know where to go for the type of care you need. Find out what health care services are available to you. For a complete list of contracted doctors/providers, search our provider directory.