Four ways of getting health care to avoid big bills

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

• How to avoid costly mistakes with your health plan
• How to save money at the doctor
• What you need to know about telehealth
• Health insurance: 5 things you may not know