Where to go for medical care
When you need medical attention, knowing where to go for health care can help you save time — and help assure you'll get the care you need. You may choose care from your primary care provider (PCP), a virtual visit (or telehealth), urgent care or emergency room, depending on your situation. Here are tips to help you choose where to go for care.
Consider your medical need
Where you go for care depends on what kind of medical care you'll need. Look at the examples in the chart below to get a sense of the options you may choose.
| What you need | Types of care or treatments | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine care |
|
Your primary care provider (PCP) |
| Your issue isn't an emergency, but your PCP isn't available |
|
Urgent care
|
| Life threatening and/or very serious conditions |
|
Emergency room |
| Treatment options or care from your home or work | Use your smartphone, tablet or computer to connect with a provider for these types of care:
(Note: your virtual care options may depend on your health plan) |
Virtual visits |
Tell your PCP about care you received
If you receive urgent or emergency care, It's important share information with your PCP, including diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions and therapy recommendations. This will help your PCP make the best possible decisions about your ongoing health and well-being. It will also help with coordinating care between other providers.
Use checklists to get ready for your visit
Your primary care provider (PCP) can treat headaches or urinary tract pain. She can also give you a regular checkup. Before you go, be sure to pack these items to make the most of your visit.
What to bring to your checkup or appointment
- Photo ID and health insurance card
- A list of questions for how you feel
- Phone and charger
- Your current symptoms
- Books and activities for kids
Some primary care providers have a 24/7 emergency line. If yours does (and it's after hours), call your primary care provider or health plan customer service. (Go to the emergency room if your need is more pressing.) You can go to urgent care for a minor burn or the flu. Bring along these items to ensure you’re prepared to get care.
What to pack (after checking wait times)
- Photo ID and health insurance card
- A list of symptoms
- Phone and charger
- Bandages (for wounds)
- Cash or credit card for unexpected purchases
A sudden pain is one reason you might visit the emergency room. Before you have a need to go, plan ahead with this checklist. These seven items can help you get the best possible care.
Be prepared for:
- Longer wait times
- Potential germ exposure
Recommended items to bring while you wait:
- Photo ID and health insurance card
- Medicine you take
- List of allergies
- Health history and records available
- Hand cleaner
- Phone and charger
- Books and activities for kids
Do you get your health insurance through work?
If you have an employer-sponsored health plan,1 your care choices may help you save both time and money. Let's take a look.
Quiz: Where to get care?
Take a quiz to see what you know about when a condition should receive care from your primary care doctor, urgent care or the emergency room.
Watch and learn more about where to go for care
Whether you're walking home from work or sitting on the couch, feeling a sudden change in health can be upsetting. Some health conditions are serious, but it's important to keep calm and follow a plan. Watch this video to learn more about when to choose the ER vs another option.
How to choose where to get care
Footnotes
- Please note: this does not apply to those with Medicare Retiree plans through work.
- Source 2019: Average allowed amounts charged by UnitedHealthcare Network Providers and not tied to a specific condition or treatment. Actual payments may vary depending upon benefit coverage. (Estimated $2,000.00 difference between the average emergency room visit and the average urgent care visit.) The information and estimates provided are for general informational and illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical advice or a substitute for your doctor’s care. You should consult with an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for you. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Information about treatment costs are estimates and reflect the average costs of guidance and care delivered through UnitedHealthcare owned and contracted service providers to members of UnitedHealthcare health plans. Costs for specific guidance and treatments may be higher or lower than the costs represented here. Emergency room cost estimates include facility charge and initial physician consultation. Source 2019: Average allowed amounts charged by UnitedHealthcare Network Providers and not tied to a specific condition or treatment. Actual payments may vary depending upon benefit coverage. (Estimated $2,000.00 difference between the average emergency room visit and the average urgent care visit.) The information and estimates provided are for general informational and illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical advice or a substitute for your doctor’s care. You should consult with an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for you. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimers
24/7 Virtual Visits phone and video chat with a doctor are not an insurance product, health care provider or a health plan. Unless otherwise required, benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Network Provider. 24/7 Virtual Visits are not intended to address emergency or life-threatening medical conditions and should not be used in those circumstances. Services may not be available at all times, or in all locations, or for all members. Check your benefit plan to determine if these services are available.