Knowing the proper level of care during a health emergency can save time and money. Cold and flu season is here, and individuals and families might start to ask: Where’s the best place to go to get the appropriate care I need? Although the most economical option might be your primary care physician, you might not be able to get an appointment right away. Or you might have an emergency that needs a higher level of care. It’s common to turn to the emergency room for help, but for many illnesses and injuries, patients can get the same care at a lower cost – and get it faster – by turning to an urgent care clinic, such as InstaCare, or telehealth service, such as Connect Care. Intermountain Health has created an online list of situations to help patients choose where they should go for care at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/get-care-now/. For example, people should go to an ER if they experience chest pain or pressure, severe bleeding, a head injury, or trouble breathing. An urgent care or telehealth visit would be better for less serious issues such as cough, fever, and other illnesses.
Here is information on each service:
Connect Care is designed for common, low-level, urgent care concerns and can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere using a mobile device or computer with a camera and video-streaming capabilities. Frequently treated conditions include sinus pain, stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, eye infections, urinary tract infection, lower back pain, and bronchitis. If a Connect Care provider feels that your medical issue cannot be adequately diagnosed or treated by a video visit and requires immediate in person evaluation, the provider will direct you to in-person care and waive your Connect Care fee.
- Cost: $69
- Covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid – check with your insurer to determine coverage and co-pay
- Is not covered by Medicare
- Best for: common, non-life-threatening conditions
- Adult and pediatric care.
- Care provided by board-certified advanced practice clinicians (nurse practitioners and physician assistants)
- Can prescribe most types of medications if needed, but not controlled substance medications.
- Does not provide lab services, imaging, or other tests
- 24/7 access from anywhere on a mobile device or computer
InstaCare provides care through licensed physicians and specialized staff to handle non-life-threatening urgent care needs, from sore throats and illnesses to cuts or broken bones.
- Cost: Varies
- Covered by many insurance plans – check with your insurer to determine coverage and co-pay
- Covered by Medicare and Medicaid
- Best for: common, non-life-threatening conditions
- Care provided by board-certified physicians and specialized staff
- Can prescribe medication
- Offer lab services, X-rays, and some outpatient tests
- Access at physical location.
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