PCP, Telehealth, Urgent Care, ER: Where to Go for Care
It's Saturday morning, and you burned yourself cooking breakfast. You can’t go to your primary care provider because it's the weekend. Should you go to urgent care or the emergency room? It depends: how severe is the burn? If it’s minor, you’re better off going to urgent care. You’ll have a shorter wait time, and you’ll pay less.
Whether it's a burn, a broken bone, or a sinus issue, deciding where to go for care can be tricky. That’s why we created a guide to choosing the right care when it matters most: every time you need it.
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Your PCP should be your first line of defense for routine, non-emergency care. They know your medical history, are equipped to manage immediate and ongoing health needs, and can provide preventive care to keep you healthy. Plus, you generally wait less, and you’ll pay less than you would for emergency room (ER) care.
Reasons to go, including but not limited to:
- Colds and flus
- Sinus, eye, or ear infections
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Sprains
- High fever
Telehealth
If you’re not feeling well and want to see a doctor within minutes from anywhere, Telehealth is right for you. For non-emergency care, you can see a physician from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Many PCP offices now offer after-hours telehealth, check with your provider to confirm.
- For Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) members: BlueCare Anywhere is a telehealth service available to many AZ Blue members that allows you to get immediate access to a provider 24/7. Log in to azblue.com/MyBlue, click Find a Doctor, then select BlueCare Anywhere.
Urgent Care
Urgent care fills the gap between your PCP and the ER. It should be used for non-life-threatening medical issues, on weekends or evenings, and when your PCP isn’t available. Wait times are generally shorter than the ER and most clinics let you sign in online. You’ll also pay less than you would for ER care.
Reasons to go, including but not limited to:
- Colds and flus
- High fever
- Spreading skin irritations/rashes
- Minor cuts and burns
- Sprains/minor fractures
Emergency Room (ER)
The ER provides care for serious medical conditions that could be life – or limb – threatening. While anyone can go to the ER, it is designed for true emergencies. If your condition is not life-threatening, you’ll end up waiting longer and paying more than you would if you went to urgent care or your PCP. Wait times will vary, but if it’s a true emergency, you’ll be seen right away.
Reasons to go, including but not limited to:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Major trauma or injury (such as broken bone)
- Seizures
- Severe burns
By choosing the right place for care, you can get the treatment you need while potentially avoiding delays and added costs. But remember, for true life-threatening emergencies, go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.
To learn other ways to save on healthcare costs, visit: How to Save Money on Your Medications (azblue.com).