When to use the Emergency Room

To ER or not to ER? Click here to continue.
Click here to view a video about when to use an Emergency Room versus an Urgent Care Center
Click on the Map to locate a New York Urgent Care Center near you.


Not located in New York? Please go to www.bcbsa.com and search the Provider Finder for urgent care facilities and retail health/walk-in doctors in your area.

 

Locate Emergency Room Alternatives Near You
When to use the alternative
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. So, unless it’s a true emergency, you’ll likely get quicker, quality medical care somewhere else, like urgent care centers. That’s why it’s important to know your ER alternative, before you need it. You can often get treated more quickly and pay much less than you would for emergency care.  
 
ER alternative
Use this option when you need medical care quickly, but can’t see your regular doctor. Urgent care centers are usually open nights and weekends, and cost about the same as a doctor visit. Before you go, call and ask about their hours, services and whether they participate in your Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield network by looking at our on-line provider directory. Remember, if you’re an HMO member, you should call your primary doctor's office or medical group to find out your Emergency Room alternative options for urgent care.  
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.
 Your Average Copay: $100-250 ER Visit vs. $15-$40* Doctors office visit, walkin clinic, urgent care center
 
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. 
 
LET A NURSE HELP YOU DECIDE
1. Call our 24/7 NurseLine at the number on the back of your ID card.  
2. A nurse will help you decide which type of care makes the most sense, and can help you find a clinic or health center near you.  
3. If you don't have 24/7 NurseLine, call the Customer Service number on the back of your card. 
 

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

 

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