Knowing where to go when you have a health issue is vital to getting the care you need, when you need it. It can also save you time and money.
When you or a loved one needs medical care, it can be confusing to know where to go to get the right treatment.
Not every medical issue requires a trip to the emergency room, but some situations do need more immediate care than others. Knowing the right place to go can save you time, money, and provide much-needed peace of mind.
Telehealth, the emergency room, urgent care, and your doctor's office all serve different purposes. Because each facility provides different kinds of care based on severity of symptoms, the cost and visit time differ.
An emergency is life-threatening. Uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pains, seizures, or severe pain are emergencies that should be addressed right away.
While a sprained ankle or a bad ear infection aren't life-threatening, you may still need to get it treated quickly. There are other high-quality care options to meet those needs.
| Primary care doctor (PCP) | Telehealth | Urgent care | Emergency room | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services | Primary care physicians provide complete, overall care. They can perform regular check-ups, manage routine labs, and address minor health issues such as sprains, earaches, colds, and strep throat. | Telehealth is best for when you don't need a physical exam. An appointment can help with minor health issues like aches, bug bites, and colds. | An urgent care facility can treat moderate illnesses and injuries like asthma attacks or cuts that need stitched. They can also conduct diagnostic testing. | Emergency rooms specialize in providing immediate, critical care for life-threatening conditions and injuries like major broken bones, loss of consciousness, head trauma, and seizures. |
| Average visit time | 18 minutes1 | 17 minutes2 | 60 minutes3 | 3 hours4 |
| Average member cost5 | $30 | $59 | $73 | $545 |
Need care fast, but don't need the ER? We have you covered.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) members can use our doctor search to find trusted, in-network urgent care centers and primary care providers who can address your health issues.
It's the easiest way to get the right care without the hassle.
Our Member Knowledge Center features helpful articles with simple and reliable information for all your insurance questions, like how to submit a claim and how to find the right doctor.
Finding a primary care physician is an important part of maintaining your overall health.
Learn more about what’s in an explanation of benefits (EOB) and how to read the documents sent along with it.
Networks can make a big difference in how much you spend on health care. That's because your in-network providers contract with your health insurance company to bring you negotiated rates.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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