Telehealth, Doctor’s Office, Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Where Telehealth Doctor’s Office Urgent Care Emergency Room
When As convenient

Round-the-clock
Soon

Hours vary (check with your provider)
Today

Early mornings through evenings and weekends
Now

24/7
Why
  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Respiratory infection
  • Ear infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Non-life-threatening allergies
  • Skin conditions, such as acne and eczema• Mental health services
  • Earache
  • Sore throat
  • Fever that responds to medication
  • Cold and flu symptoms• Chronic cough or sinus infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Pink eye
  • Minor cuts and burns
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Sprains and strains
  • Less severe burns or small cuts that may need stitches
  • Fever without a rash, or rash without a fever
  • Flu, cough, and congestion symptoms, sore throat, and ear pain
  • Eye redness, discharge or itchiness
  • Vomiting, severe diarrhea and abdominal pain
  • Painful urination
  • Animal or insect bites
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Weakness or numbness on one side
  • Slurred speech
  • Fainting or changes in mental state including concussions, confusion and seizures
  • Broken bones and dislocated joints
  • Serious burns or shock
  • Heavy bleeding or cuts that may require stitches
  • Head or eye injuries, or cuts on the face
  • Fever over 103 degrees or a fever with a rash
  • Severe cold or flu symptoms
How long You will be given an estimated wait time when you call or log in online or through a mobile app

 
Minimum wait with scheduled appointment; longer if requested same-day visit Varies, but usually shorter than ER; you may be able to make a specific appointment time

 
Wait times vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and those of other patients
How much Free, less than, or the same as a primary care visit Standard copay The same or slightly higher copay than primary care, but much lower than ER Your highest copay, and other potential fees
Back to blogpost