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Sponsored by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Updated: February 1, 2020

Guide for Your Employees: Doctor, Urgent Care, or the ER?

In the midst of a health-related event, an emergency room visit may seem like a good idea, especially if you can’t get in to see your physician. With long wait times and high out-of-pocket expenses though, you have more options. Urgent care offers the convenience of after-hours care and a lower cost than the ER, and virtual technology is also creating more pathways to immediate care.

Hours vs. Minutes
• 2+ hours is the average emergency room wait time in Maine before being sent home.
• 30 minutes or less is the average wait time to see a doctor in urgent care.



Consider Urgent Care or Convenience Care for the following:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Infections
  • Minor injuries
  • Minor burns
  • Rashes
  • Bites
  • Cuts
  • Bruises
  • Eye and ear infections
  • Strep throat
  • Skin conditions like poison ivy or ringworm
     



Is Telemedicine an Option?

Another option for non-acute care that might be available to you is a telemedicine visit. This allows you to see a board-certified doctor virtually through a video conference on your computer, tablet, or phone.

Consider Telemedicine For:

  • Cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Eye and ear issues
  • Asthma and allergies
  • Rashes, hives, sunburn, and other skin issues
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Sinus or congestion issues
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Upset stomach
  • Immediate advice for minor ailments or conditions
  • Prescription refills
  • Review multiple medications
     



Always go to the Emergency Room for:

  • Potentially life-threatening events
  • Choking
  • Convulsions
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Seizures
  • Stroke
  • Shock
  • Heart attack
  • Major blood loss
  • Head injury or trauma
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Overdose
  • Car accidents
  • Dizziness or faintness (when paired with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or other risks of heart attack and stroke)

Why Have a Relationship with Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

Dr. Patricia L. Toro, associate medical director at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, has this advice: “Obviously, the better relationship you have with your primary care physician, the better they can serve you when you need something. The best first step is to make sure you have that relationship with your PCP, so they can advise you quickly (even if they can’t see you in-person) and be proactive about follow-up care.”

Getting an annual check-up and staying current with tests and screenings are ways to ensure you are building and maintaining this relationship. That way, when an injury or sudden onset of symptoms occurs, the PCP is in the best position to guide you to the right place to receive care.

Urgent Need? Consider Urgent Care

With the shortage of doctors and nurses in Maine and the rise in healthcare costs nationwide, urgent care centers have become popular. As of August 2019, there were more than 9,379 urgent care facilities in the United States, 45 of those were in Maine.

Ear infections, sports injuries, and other time-sensitive symptoms that occur over the weekend or after regular doctor's hours can be treated at an urgent care center. These conditions can then be followed up on by your PCP.

Good news for parents and guardians as well -- non-emergent calls from the school nurse for a sudden onset illness like strep throat or pink eye can also be easily handled at an urgent care facility if you can’t get in to see the child’s pediatrician.

What About Telemedicine?

Urgent, but non-emergent, health issues may now be addressed from the comfort of your own home. Some PCP practices are beginning to offer telemedicine as part of their services. Or, apps like Doctor on Demand, a Harvard Pilgrim partner, will help you to efficiently connect with board-certified doctors who can address some medical issues through a virtual visit. If you are using the app because your PCP isn’t available, the virtual doctor can also send notes directly to a PCP’s office if you would like the information to be shared.

Maine Telemedicine: Convenient Treatment without Leaving Home
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping expand rural health care, investing $42.5 million in distance learning and telemedicine projects in 37 states, including Maine. Six organizations within the state have been selected to receive a total of $2.18 million.

When the nearest emergency room is the right choice

Never delay treatment of acute pain such as chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding. All of these require emergency room treatment. Head injuries, even if they appear innocuous, should also be immediately checked at an ER.

Right care, right place, right time.

Generally, the best place for you to receive care is with a primary care doctor who knows you best, but the good news is that when a sudden medical issue arises, there are cost-efficient, high-quality options for care besides the emergency room.

Preventable health care spending in emergency rooms topped $8.3B across the U.S., last year and 56 percent of those visits were avoidable. Harvard Pilgrim plans offer a variety of benefits to help lower these costs and create a better experience for consumers.

Receiving care in non-emergency situations in a different setting than the ER saves time and money, no matter where you live or work. To learn more about Harvard Pilgrim coverage for your business or for individuals, visit www.harvardpilgrim.org.