How serious is the condition?

The advantages of an urgent care center

Don't let the urgent care sign fool you!

How to find an urgent care center near you

When to use an urgent care center

When to use the emergency room

How serious is the condition?
When your life may be at risk, or you have a sudden or severe pain, you have no choice — go to the nearest emergency facility. However, when the situation is less severe, you may have choices that can save you money and be more convenient.

When you or a family member needs medical treatment for less severe conditions, your family doctor should be your first choice. But it's not always possible to get an appointment quickly. Then, an urgent care center can be your best bet. These walk-in clinics are designed to bridge the gap between your doctor's office and the emergency room.

The advantages of an urgent care center
• Urgent care centers usually open early, close late, and have weekend hours.
• You don't need an appointment, and you probably won't wait long to be seen.
• The centers are staffed by nurses and doctors who can deal with a wide range of conditions.
Best of all, depending on your coverage, when you use an urgent care center, you'll probably just pay a set copayment. On the other hand, if you use an emergency room inappropriately, you may be responsible for most of the charges for the visit.

Don't let the urgent care sign fool you!
All centers are not created equal, and the difference can affect your wallet. To reduce your costs, choose a free-standing urgent care center, one that isn't located in a hospital. These facilities are well equipped to provide medical care for minor illnesses or injuries. The only difference is the location. Your copayment and other costs could be a lot higher if you choose an urgent care center in a hospital.

How to find an urgent care center near you
Call the center and ask.
Go to Humana's Physician Finder Plus and follow these five steps:
1. Enter your ZIP code (or city and state) on the next page and hit "Continue."
2. Select your Humana plan from the drop-down list in the middle of next page and hit "Continue."
3. Review the material on the following page and hit “Continue.”
4. Select "Urgent Care Centers" from the drop-down box on the next page, enter your street address,
and hit "Next."
5. Select a participating Urgent Care Center from the list on the following page.
The closest facility is listed first.

When to use an urgent care center
For non-emergency conditions, make an appointment with your doctor or go to an urgent care center. Here's a list of ailments that could be treated at a doctor's office or an urgent care center. It isn't a complete list, but it includes the most common non-emergency conditions:
• Twisted or sprained ankle
• Cough, cold, sore throat
• Minor skin rash
• Ear infection
• Minor burns or injuries
• Cuts, bumps, and sprains
• Fever or flu symptoms
• General wound care
• Allergic reactions
• Animal bites
• Mild asthma

When to use the emergency room
Again, if you're facing a serious situation — stroke, heart attack, severe bleeding, head injury or other major trauma — go straight to the nearest ER. Don't take a chance with anything life-threatening. The ER is the best place for these and other critical conditions, including:
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or loss of coordination or balance
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision
• Deep cuts or bleeding that won't stop
• Loss of consciousness

Remember, it's a good idea to check out your options before you need medical services. If you can visit your doctor or an urgent care center, you could save time and money. And, when you need care immediately, you'll know just where to go and how to get there. Don't take chances with your health, and don't spend more than you need to for minor treatment. It's all a matter of knowing what's right for your situation.

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