Eleanor Finch
When it comes to emergency medical care, it is important to know where to go and when. Emergency rooms are equipped with a wider range of specialists and treatment options, making them suitable for more serious issues. If you are experiencing intense and unexpected symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it is best to call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. On the other hand, for minor illnesses and injuries, such as a cold, minor cuts, or sprains, urgent care centers or walk-in clinics are often more convenient and cost-effective options. These facilities can handle many common health problems and are usually cheaper and faster than an ER visit. Knowing the differences between these options can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive timely and appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to go to an emergency room | When you experience intense and unexpected symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding. |
| Who decides if it's an emergency | If you think it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the ER. |
| When to go to a walk-in clinic | For minor illnesses and injuries like cold and flu symptoms, sore and strep throat, earache, allergies, fever, pain, or stomach symptoms. |
| When to go to an urgent care center | For non-life-threatening symptoms like colds, minor cuts, and sprains or strains. |
| Aetna coverage | You are covered for emergency care, even if the visit is out of network. You only need to pay your plan copay, coinsurance, and deductible. |
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What You'll Learn
When to go to the ER: intense and unexpected symptoms
If you experience intense and unexpected symptoms, it is best to go to the ER. Emergency rooms have a wider range of specialists and treatment options, so they are equipped to handle more serious issues.
For instance, if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe bleeding, call 911 or go to the ER immediately. Other symptoms that require immediate attention include signs of a heart attack or stroke.
However, it is important to note that urgent care centers or walk-in clinics can also provide convenient and cost-effective treatment for less severe issues. These facilities can handle many health problems and are often cheaper than an ER visit, with shorter wait times. Walk-in clinics are typically found in drugstores and supermarkets, while urgent care centers can be found in many locations, providing easy access to care.
When in doubt, it is always best to call your doctor, even if it is after hours. They may offer after-hours care or provide guidance on whether to go to the ER, an urgent care center, or a walk-in clinic. Additionally, as an Aetna member, you can call their 24-hour nurse line at 1-800-556-1555 for more information about your options.
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ERs have a wider range of specialists
When it comes to emergency care, it's important to understand what constitutes an emergency and when to seek treatment at an emergency room. As an Aetna member, you have coverage for emergency care, whether you are near your home or travelling. This includes students who are away at school. However, it's essential to remember that you are responsible for any emergency room copay, unless you are admitted for an overnight hospital stay.
Now, let's focus on the topic of specialists in the ER. When facing a medical situation, it's crucial to consider the range of specialists available at different care options. ERs have a wider range of specialists compared to other options, such as urgent care centres or walk-in clinics. This broader range of specialists in ERs is particularly important when dealing with intense and immediate symptoms or injuries.
For instance, if you experience non-life-threatening symptoms, such as gradually increasing symptoms, urgent care centres or walk-in clinics may be more suitable. These centres can provide convenient and cost-effective treatment for minor conditions like colds, minor cuts, or sprains. They typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and you may experience shorter wait times compared to an ER visit.
On the other hand, if you or someone you know is exhibiting intense and immediate symptoms or injuries, that is when the wider range of specialists in ERs becomes crucial. In life-threatening situations, such as when you feel your life is at risk or you are showing signs of a stroke or heart attack, calling 911 and seeking emergency care at an ER should be the priority. The more severe the condition, the sooner you will see a doctor in the ER.
Additionally, it's important to note that the determination of medical necessity does not guarantee coverage by Aetna for a particular member. Coverage is determined by the member's benefit plan, and some plans may exclude coverage even for services deemed medically necessary by Aetna. Therefore, it's always advisable to refer to your specific plan details to understand your coverage.
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When to opt for urgent care
Urgent care is a great option for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses that require prompt medical attention. Urgent care centres typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are often cheaper than emergency rooms. They also usually have shorter wait times, as patients are seen in the order they arrive, and offer extended hours on weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Urgent care is ideal for addressing minor injuries and illnesses, such as colds, minor cuts, sprains, strains, and fractures. They can also provide follow-up care for more severe illnesses or injuries initially treated at the emergency room, such as the flu, strep throat, or ear infections. Urgent care can also help with moderate to severe pain, such as kidney stones, severe headaches or migraines, abdominal pain, or intense back pain.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as signs of a stroke or heart attack, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room. The emergency room is equipped to handle life-threatening illnesses and injuries and will prioritize patients with critical conditions.
In summary, urgent care is a convenient and cost-effective option for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses that require prompt attention, while the emergency room is reserved for more severe, life-threatening situations.
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Walk-in clinics: for minor illnesses and injuries
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room (ER). This is the best option if you are facing serious, sudden problems like chest pain, trouble breathing, or heavy bleeding.
However, if your condition is not an emergency, walk-in clinics are a convenient option for minor illnesses and injuries. These clinics are often located in drugstores, supermarkets, and retail pharmacies, making it easier to access care. They can treat health issues like cold and flu symptoms, sore and strep throat, earaches, allergies, skin conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes. You can also receive prescription medicine, birth control, screening tests, and vaccinations.
Walk-in clinics are usually cheaper than an ER visit and may have shorter wait times. They are a good option when your symptoms are gradually increasing, rather than intense and immediate. Additionally, many minor conditions can be treated at a retail clinic in your local pharmacy.
If you are an Aetna member and unsure about where to go, you can call their 24-hour nurse line at 1-800-556-1555 for guidance.
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ER vs. urgent care vs. walk-in clinic: choosing the right option
If you feel your life is at risk, call 911. Never drive yourself if you have a serious head injury or are showing signs of a stroke or heart attack.
If it's not an emergency, urgent care centers or walk-in clinics are convenient and may cost less. You can get care for things like colds, minor cuts, allergic reactions, stitches, sprains, strains, and minor burns or back pain. They are usually cheaper than an ER visit, and your wait time to get care may be shorter.
Urgent care centers treat non-emergency medical conditions that are more serious than those seen at walk-in clinics. Both offer convenience, but like emergency rooms, urgent care centers prioritize patients based on how sick they are, which can affect wait time. Walk-in clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you experience non-life-threatening symptoms, urgent care or a walk-in clinic may be the best option. If you have intense and immediate symptoms or injuries, go to the ER, where there's a wider range of specialists and treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
Emergency rooms are for serious, sudden problems and intense and unexpected symptoms. If you feel like your life is at risk, call 911.
Serious, sudden problems include chest pain, trouble breathing, and severe bleeding.
Intense and unexpected symptoms include intense and immediate injuries, as well as gradually increasing symptoms.
If you're an Aetna member and still aren't sure where to go, you can call our 24-hour nurse line at 1-800-556-1555.
Walk-in clinics are a good option for minor illnesses and injuries, such as cold and flu symptoms, sore and strep throat, earache, or allergies. They are usually cheaper than an ER visit, and your wait time may be shorter.
