Know Where to Go

Know your care options before an injury or illness occurs. This quick guide helps you select the right care for your specific needs, day, or night, virtually or in person.

Knowing your care options ahead of time can save you time and money. When you’re sick or injured, the last thing you want to worry about is where to go. The emergency room is the best option for care when a life-threatening illness or injury occurs, but when it’s not a life-threatening condition, visiting the emergency room can be time-consuming and expensive. Going to the emergency room for non-life-threatening emergencies, on average, could cost over $2,000 – that’s 12 times higher than a PCP visit and 10 times higher than an urgent care visit, per a 2016 study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. And according to the New England Health Institute, 56% of all emergency room visits are avoidable.

Quality care that’s right for you and meets your needs

Health care isn’t one-size-fits-all. From minor cuts to a sore throat or even a blood pressure check, knowing where to seek care for your situation can save you time and money. Likely, you and your dependents have access to a variety of options:

• When to visit the Emergency Room: If you think you’re having an emergency and your life is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Common medical emergencies that should be treated in the emergency room include choking, heart attack or severe abdominal pain.
• When to visit an Urgent Care Center: You can stop by an urgent care center without an appointment for conditions that need immediate treatment but are not considered life-threatening. Examples include minor burns or cuts that may require stitches.
• When to see your Primary Care Provider (PCP): For non-urgent needs such as preventive screenings, checkups, immunizations, or chronic conditions, your PCP knows your medical history and is best suited to coordinate your care. And they may also offer virtual healthcare services for even greater convenience.
• When to go to a Retail Clinic: Retail clinics such as CVS MinuteClinic® and Walgreens Healthcare Clinic are good options when experiencing mild symptoms such as an ear infection or skin conditions like poison ivy, and you want a health professional to check it out without an appointment.

When to Use Telehealth Provided by Doctor On Demand*

You can request a virtual visit with a U.S.-based doctor 24/7 for non-emergency conditions such as upper respiratory infection, upset stomach or skin rash using live video or voice call via your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can also access confidential therapy and build an ongoing relationship with the provider of
your choice.

When to Reach Out to Your NHADA Insurance Team

Need assistance managing a chronic condition, understanding costs related to health insurance or coordinating access to quality care? Our Care Team of registered nurses, clinical social workers and certified health coaches will answer your questions, help you navigate the healthcare system, and support your health and wellness goals at no cost.