Where To Go For The Best Care
With all the different options out there, figuring out where to get care when you’re sick or dealing with an injury isn’t always easy. We’re here to help! Call your Gravie Care Team at: 800.501.2920, and we’ll guide you to the best place for the care you need.
Know Your Network
To avoid surprises, it’s important to receive care within your broad network. Log-in to your Gravie profile to search which providers, clinics, and hospitals are accepted by your plan. These in-network providers will give the greatest discount and quality of service. Remember, emergency services that are life-threatening will always be in your network.
When it comes to online care, retail clinic, primary doctor, urgent care, or emergency room, what you select could make a big difference in terms of cost, convenience, and care. Familiarizing yourself with these different options will help you decide where to go in case you need care after hours or in an emergency. Check out our guide below to learn more about the different options.
Telemedicine is a convenient alternative to the walk-in clinic. Forget network restrictions and waiting rooms—telemedicine allows 24/7 remote access to care almost anywhere.
Online Care*
Cost Level: $
Talk to a doctor, counselor, psychiatrist, or dermatologist by phone, mobile app, or video chat 24/7, at no additional cost**.
Online Care is a great option for most routine care needs, including anxiety, common colds, allergies, fevers, rashes, UTI’s, and more.
Next time you need non-emergency care, consider using Online Care from the convenience of your own home, saving you both time and money.
Retail Clinic
Cost Level: $
A walk-in clinic located in places like Walgreens, CVS, etc.
Retail clinics are great for when you don’t have time to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. They’re typically used to treat common illnesses or skin conditions, and some will administer vaccinations and provide screenings.
Walk-ins are faster and more convenient than a visit to the Doctor’s Office, but they do not have access to your medical history.
Doctor’s Office
Cost Level: $$
Your primary care office.
Your doctor knows you best. They know your prescriptions and medical history and can provide routine checkups, preventive care, and non-acute injury/illness care. The co-pay for a visit to the Doctor’s Office is way less than a visit to urgent care or the emergency room, so it’s best to visit the doc when you need to manage or receive more in-depth information on existing conditions.
Urgent Care
Cost Level: $$$
Quick access for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
Urgent care should be used when you need a non-life-threatening condition assessed on the same day. It’s your best bet if you’re unable to see your doctor or if the need for assessment occurs outside of regular office hours.
Emergency Room
Cost Level: $$$$
It’s pretty simple—save the emergency room for emergencies.
If you or someone you know experiences a critical or life-threatening medical emergency, do not hesitate, as these situations need to be dealt with promptly. Rapid onset pain and acute injuries should also be taken seriously.
The emergency room is NOT the place for minor issues or routine checkups. If you go for something that isn’t an emergency, you’re not only costing yourself way more money, you’re taking attention away from patients who need immediate medical attention.
To Recap
Online Care is available with your Gravie health plan at no additional cost* and can be accessed 24/7 from any device.
Both retail offices and doctor’s offices are great for preventive care, but you should go to the doctor when you need more in-depth information and treatment for existing conditions.
Urgent care is a great resource for when your doctor isn’t available or for when same-day treatment for non-serious injuries or illnesses is needed. The emergency room should be used when life-threatening situations occur, or if you experience sudden acute pain/injuries.
As the seriousness of the situation increases, so does the price for the visit. The required care for certain conditions is different depending on the severity, so knowing the right place to go will save you time, money, and will ensure you receive the proper care.
*Online Care is available for members who are enrolled in a health plan through Gravie’s Private Marketplace for Group Plans.
**Online Care is available at no additional cost for members with a non-HSA plan, and for a minimal cost for members with an HSA eligible, high-deductible plan.