-
Nurse line
Does your doctor's office have a nurse line or online chat feature? Many of these services are available at all hours, and there’s no charge to use them.
-
Virtual visit
There are several online services that allow you to connect to a doctor from your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Usually available at all hours and on weekends and holidays.
- Check to see if your health plan has a preferred service.
- Copays may be lower than an office visit or even free.
-
Retail clinics
These clinics, located in many pharmacies and large retailers, can treat minor conditions, provide vaccinations, and screening exams.
- They accept most insurance plans.
- Copays are often the same as a visit to your doctor, and some plans have lower copays for these clinics.
-
Urgent care
These centers have a doctor on staff and can treat injuries and illnesses that aren’t an emergency but do need quick action, such as a sprain or cut.
- Copays vary by insurance plan.
- You may be responsible for a deductible.
- Ask whether the facility is in your plan's network.
Don’t confuse urgent care clinics with emergency rooms that aren’t in a hospital. Urgent care clinics are usually much cheaper.
Resources