Not feeling well and unsure where to go for care - Check out your options
December 13, 2023 04:45 PM - When you are not feeling well, it hard to determine the best place to turn for care – visiting urgent care, your primary care practice, the emergency department or staying home and accessing express virtual care. When you’re not sure which care you need, you can get the right care in the right place at the right time. Review the below information or compare your care options to help you choose the best place to get care for you and your family.
Urgent Care
Higher copays are possible with urgent care options.
Care for medical conditions that need to be treated right away, but are not emergencies:
Express Virtual Care
Virtual care includes real-time video visits with an SSM Health provider
Virtual care for common conditions including:
Primary Care Practice
Primary care is the low-cost option.
Your Primary Care Provider is ofen your first point of care. They manage your health through routine wellness visits and screenings, as well as non-emergency illnesses. Your primary care provider may refer you to another provider for specialized care and can order necessary tests for the diagnosis and treatment of routine illnesses.
Emergency Department
Emergency care is the high-cost option.
Care for severe symptoms and the most complex or critical needs, including life and limb-threatening situations:
Urgent CareHigher copays are possible with urgent care options.
Care for medical conditions that need to be treated right away, but are not emergencies:
- Fever without rash.
- Vomiting or persistent diarrhea.
- Wheezing/shortness of breath.
- Sprains.
- Small cuts that may require stitches.
Express Virtual CareVirtual care includes real-time video visits with an SSM Health provider
Virtual care for common conditions including:
- Upper respiratory infection.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Lice.
- Yeast infections.
- Pink eye/conjunctivitis.
- Acid reflux/GERD.
- Cold, cough, flu, fever.
- Minor sprains and strains.
- Sore throat.
Primary Care Practice
Primary care is the low-cost option.
Your Primary Care Provider is ofen your first point of care. They manage your health through routine wellness visits and screenings, as well as non-emergency illnesses. Your primary care provider may refer you to another provider for specialized care and can order necessary tests for the diagnosis and treatment of routine illnesses.
Emergency DepartmentEmergency care is the high-cost option.
Care for severe symptoms and the most complex or critical needs, including life and limb-threatening situations:
- Shortness of breath.
- Stroke symptoms.
- Serious burns or cuts.
- Seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Chest pain, left arm or left jaw pain.
- Heart attack symptoms.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Multiple injuries or possible broken bones.
