Know Where To Go for Care 

When a health problem comes up fast, it helps to know where to go for care. Emergency rooms (ERs) are best for serious or life threatening issues. But there are other places to get treatment for many common problems faster and with less stress. Knowing your choices can save you time and money while helping you stay healthy. 

Which to Choose?

ER vs. Primary Care Physician (PCP) vs. Urgent Care vs. Telehealth* 

ERs are meant for the most serious health problems. Go to the ER for things such as: 

  • Chest pain. 
  • Bad injuries. 
  • Trouble breathing. 

Each year, people visit ERs more than 155 million times. Many of these visits are for injuries or urgent needs that must be treated right away. 

But many common illnesses and small injuries do not need ER care. These include: 

  • Ear infections. 
  • Minor cuts. 
  • Sprains. 
  • Sore throats. 
  • Sinus problems. 
  • Simple broken bones. 

Your PCP can usually help you resolve these non-urgent issues. Since PCPs get to know you over time, they can often offer treatment that is tailored to your health and situation. If needed, they can refer you to a specialist. If you don’t have a PCP, it is a good idea to review the options in your network and choose one. 

To find an in-network PCP, visit our Find Care page. 

If your PCP is not available, you should go to an urgent care center for minor illnesses or injuries. 

The Mayo Clinic says that urgent care centers should not replace routine visits to your PCP. But urgent care is a good choice for same-day needs that are not life-threatening. It can help you avoid long ER wait times when it is the right fit. 

Telehealth is another convenient option. Blue CareOnDemandSM Powered by MDLIVE® lets you talk with your PCP or another doctor by video or phone. 

Telehealth works well for concerns such as: 

  • Rashes. 
  • Cold symptoms. 
  • Follow-up visits. 
  • Ongoing care for long-term conditions. 

Telehealth can make care easier to reach. It can lower costs and help you get quick advice from home. 

Using the right level of care ensures ER resources are available for real emergencies. It also helps improve the health care experience for everyone. 

Asthma: When To Seek Care and How To Stay Prepared

Asthma is a common reason people go to the ER, especially during flare-ups. Good asthma care includes: 

  • Knowing what triggers your symptoms. 
  • Following your treatment plan. 
  • Noticing when your symptoms start to get worse. 

The Mayo Clinic says it is important to have an asthma action plan. It also stresses the value of regular checkups and learning how to use your medicines the right way. These steps can help prevent severe attacks that might lead to emergency care. 

You can manage many asthma flare-ups at home or at an urgent care center when symptoms are mild or moderate. Telehealth can offer early advice or small changes to your medicines when symptoms first appear. But emergency care is still important for severe attacks. 

Go to the ER if you have: 

  • Extreme shortness of breath. 
  • Trouble speaking. 
  • Symptoms that do not get better with your inhaler. 

Get access to additional asthma resources through our Wellness 360ﹾ® health program. 

Preventing health problems helps you avoid unnecessary ER visits. Good care for long-term conditions and clear patient education can prevent many emergencies. With the right information, you can make smart choices about your care. Each care option plays a role in keeping you healthy. Choosing the right one ensures ERs stay open for people who truly need life-saving care. 

The Mayo Clinic is an independent organization that provides health information you may find helpful.

*Telehealth services through Blue CareOnDemand are not included in all BlueChoice health plans. You can check your eligibility through My Health Toolkit®. When you log in, select Providers & Services. If the service is included with your plan, you’ll see Blue CareOnDemand listed.