Click here to view a video about when to use an ER versus an ER alternative.

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What will you do if you or a loved one needs immediate medical care? Most of us answer, "Go to the nearest emergency room." But ER wait times are at an all-time high. Unless it's a true emergency, you may want to consider other options — like urgent care centers and walk-in clinics. That's why it's important to know your alternatives for immediate care now, before you need them. You can often get treated more quickly and pay less than you would at a hospital emergency room.

When to use other options for immediate care
Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are a good choice when you need medical care quickly, but can’t see your regular doctor. Tip: You can also contact your regular doctor's office to see if extended hours are available. Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are often open nights and weekends, and cost much less than an ER visit. Before you go, call and ask about their hours, services and whether they participate in your network. You can find network participation information by looking at our Online Provider Locator. See a chart of symptoms that usually can be treated somewhere other than the ER.

Choices for immediate care

• Retail Health Clinic. Many major pharmacies and retail stores now have walk-in clinics. Keep them in mind when you need convenient, routine care, like for coughs and flu shots.


• Urgent Care Center. Urgent care clinics can usually handle problems like stitches, sprains and X-rays. Things that need immediate attention, but aren’t life threatening.

Emergency Room Rule of Thumb
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you think you could put your health at serious risk by delaying care.

Still not sure? We can help you find excellent care near you. For more locations, call the Customer Service number on your ID card.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey, August 2008.

**Average health plan copays. For many members, deductibles and coinsurance may apply, which can make an even greater difference in the cost between an emergency room and alternative site of care.