Page 9 - Quarles

Emergency Care
Emergency room (ER) departments are the most expensive sites for care and often mean long wait
times. In a true emergency always call 911 or go to the ER. If it’s not a true emergency, but you need
care fast, consider an urgent care center instead. The table below contains some guidelines for
immediate care.

Each option has different services, so call and ask before you go.

? Urgent care center: This is a group of doctors who treat conditions that
should be looked at right away but aren’t as bad as emergencies. These
centers can often do X-rays, lab tests and stitches.

? Walk-in doctor’s office: This doctor’s office doesn’t require you to be an
existing patient or have an appointment. These handle mostly routine care
and common family illnesses.

? Retail health clinic: This is a clinic staffed by health care experts who
give basic health care services to “walk-in” patients. Most often it is in a major
pharmacy or retail store.

? LiveHealth Online: This online tool enables you to have a secure two-
way video chat with a board-certified doctor. The doctor can answer
questions and diagnose many common problems, including sore throats,
infections and the flu. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer with
a webcam without an appointment. You don’t need to wait until you are sick to set up an account. Set it
up today so you can see a doctor without delay when you need to.

Some Examples of When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Any life-threatening or disabling condition Severe shortness of breath Cut or wound that won’t stop bleeding

Sudden or unexplained loss of High fever with stiff neck, mental Major injuries
consciousness confusion or difficulty breathing Possible broken bones

Chest pain; numbness in the face, arm or Coughing or vomiting blood
leg; difficulty speaking

How to Find an Urgent Care Center
Go to anthem.com/cova and select Find Urgent Care. Download the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield app
to your smartphone or tablet so you can find an urgent care center on the go!

8 2016-2017 Benefits Guide