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Knowing where to go for care can save you time and money
When you or a loved one is hurt or ill, you often have four choices about where to go for care:
Deciding where to go depends on your situation. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you choose wisely.
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Doctor's Office/Primary Care Clinic
For non-emergency situations, it's best to go to your primary care doctor or clinic for care. Your doctor knows you and your health history; has access to your medical records; and can provide follow-up care or refer you to specialists if necessary.
Many primary care clinics offer extended hours and weekend appointments. And most clinics have staff on-call after hours that can help you get the care you need.
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Convenience Care
Convenience care sites (MinuteClinic® and Target ClinicSM are examples) usually are located in grocery stores, shopping malls, pharmacies and other retail stores.
Convenience care sites are staffed by licensed providers who can diagnose and recommend treatment for certain minor illnesses such as sore throats and ear infections for people older than 18 months.
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Urgent Care Center
Urgent care centers offer a readily accessible care option for minor ailments that require immediate attention. Urgent care centers are staffed with doctors and nurses who can care for a variety of illnesses and injuries, including sprains and strains, minor broken bones, mild asthma attacks, minor infections and rashes, small cuts, ear infections and sore throats.
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Emergency Department
Emergency departments are located in hospitals. The emergency department is for true medical emergencies. You should not go to an emergency department for minor problems. If you do, you may have to wait a long time because patients with true emergencies are treated first. In addition, emergency care for minor procedures can be more than 10 times as expensive as other care options.
Some examples of when you should go to an emergency department include:
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Heavy bleeding |
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Large open wounds |
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Warning signs of stroke: sudden dizziness or change in vision, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or understanding speech |
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Chest pain |
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Major burns |
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Severe head injury |
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Compare Single-Visit Costs
The table below shows the approximate costs of a single visit for the treatment of several minor conditions at different types of facilities. Cost estimates do not include medications or other follow-up care. Estimates are based on Medica Choice® network contract rates.
| Condition |
Primary Care Clinic (Established Patient) |
Convenience Care* |
Urgent Care Center |
Emergency Department |
| Allergies |
$89 |
$52 |
$97 |
$345 |
| Bronchitis, Acute |
$89 |
$51 |
$127 |
$595 |
| Bronchitis, Chronic |
$85 |
$51 |
$114 |
$665 |
| Earache |
$81 |
$52 |
$110 |
$400 |
| Pharyngitis (sore throat) |
$98 |
$70 |
$94 |
$525 |
| Pink Eye |
$76 |
$50 |
$102 |
$370 |
| Sinusitis |
$85 |
$50 |
$112 |
$617 |
| Strep Throat |
$93 |
$59 |
$123 |
$531 |
| Upper Respiratory Infection |
$83 |
$63 |
$111 |
$486 |
| Urinary Tract Infection |
$89 |
$53 |
$110 |
$665 |
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* Convenience care sites are usually staffed by licensed providers such as a nurse practitioner
and do not typically have a medical doctor on site.
How were these costs calculated?
This information shows the average cost of a single visit for treatment of a minor illness at four different types of facilities—Primary Care Clinic, Convenience Care Site, Urgent Care Center and Emergency Department. Cost estimates do not include medications or other follow-up services. The cost estimates were determined by calculating the average allowed amount on claims submitted for the Medica Choice network with a date of service in 2007.
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