Where to Go for Care

Deciding where to go for care can be confusing. Virtual visit, doctor’s office, retail clinic, urgent care or ER?

If you aren’t having an emergency, deciding where to go for medical care may save you time and money. You have choices for where you get non-emergency care. When you use in-network providers for your family’s health care, you usually pay less for care. Search for in-network providers in your area on the TAMUS BCBSTX webpage or by calling 1-866-295-1212.

Did you know urgent care centers and freestanding ERs can be hard to tell apart? Freestanding ERs often look a lot like urgent care centers, but costs may be higher. A visit to a freestanding ER often results in significantly higher medical bills than the rate charged by urgent care centers for the same services, and in some cases freestanding ERs are not in-network providers.

Here are some ways to know if you are at a freestanding ER:

• Looks like urgent care centers, but have the word “Emergency” in their name or on the building.
• Is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Is not attached to and may not be affiliated with a hospital.
• Is subject to the same ER member share which may include a copay, coinsurance and applicable deductible.

The Where to go for Care flier can help you figure our when to use each type of care.

If you need emergency care, call 911 or seek help from any doctor or hospital immediately.