In an emergency, call 911 or go straight to the ER. For everything else, picking the right place can save hours of waiting and hundreds of dollars.
| Where | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Emergency room | Chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, serious injuries, heavy bleeding |
| Urgent care | Sprains, minor cuts, fevers, ear or urinary infections |
| Telehealth | Colds, rashes, prescription refills, advice |
| Primary care doctor | Check-ups, ongoing conditions, referrals |
Why cost differs so much
ERs are staffed and equipped for emergencies around the clock, and billing reflects that. Urgent care and telehealth usually cost far less for the same minor problem.
What to bring
- Insurance card and photo ID
- List of medications and allergies
- A card to pay your copay
Surprise bills: Federal rules protect you from many surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care. Ask for an itemized bill if anything looks wrong.
