Choosing the health care option that’s a fit for you

1. Your Doctor – If it’s an issue that can wait, see your primary care physician (PCP). Many doctor’s offices can make room for quick appointments for existing patients. Also, this ensures you see someone who knows your medical history, which can save you money. In general, copays are likely to be the lowest if you are visiting your PCP, depending on the type of health insurance plan you have.¹

2. Pharmacy/Retail Walk-in Clinics – A walk-in clinic at your nearest pharmacy might be an option for a vaccination or if you suspect a common problem. And if you need a prescription filled, they can do it quickly for you right there.

3. Urgent Care Centers – For more serious problems, but something that doesn’t rise to the level of an emergency, an urgent care center may be your best bet. A cut that requires stitches, you’re not sure if you’ve sprained or broken your ankle, you’re worried about what might be an infection — these may be good reasons to choose urgent care.

Tip: Some walk-in clinics and urgent care centers have apps or websites that allow you to see current wait times for an appointment or even check in online to reserve your spot. This can save you time and a drive to a place that’s already full.

4. Emergency Room (ER) – Uncontrolled bleeding or open wounds, burns with blisters, head injuries, chest pains, or high fevers over 103 degrees are reasons to head straight to the ER.²
   
   Tip: Check your plan’s ER coverage carefully. For example, some health insurance plans cover illness visits to the ER only if you’re admitted to the hospital for that illness. On the other hand, that same plan might fully cover that illness visit if you go to a walk-in clinic or urgent care facility.

Is telehealth an option?

Whether it’s through your own provider or with an online-only medical service, you may want to choose a telehealth or telemedicine option for some minor issues. Telehealth is especially useful in rural areas without other options nearby and for people with limited mobility.³ However, it’s not a good idea to rely on telehealth if you are having a medical emergency.

Planning where to get your care

Waiting until you need care to decide where to go probably won’t lead to the best decisions about where to get treatment. Be sure that you’re familiar with the walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, and emergency rooms in your area, in case you need more urgent treatment or your PCP isn’t available.⁴

Planning ahead should include not just which facility to go to for different types of injury or illness, but also knowing which options accept your current insurance.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

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Sources

Howley, Elaine K. “Emergency Room, Urgent Care or Primary Care Physician: Which Should You Pick?” February 13, 2025. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-02-07/emergency-room-urgent-care-or-primary-care-physician

Scripps Health. “What Is Urgent Care For?” May 20, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4856-what-is-urgent-care-for

UC Davis Health. “Should you go to the emergency room (ER), urgent care or doctor’s office?” July 5, 2023. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/should-you-go-to-the-emergency-room-urgent-care-or-doctors-office/2023/07

Upstate Medical University. “Top 10 Reasons Why Telehealth Appointments Can be Beneficial.” September 18, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.upstate.edu/imt/news/2024-09-18-telehealth-benefits.php