When you need care, knowing where to go can help you get the right support, while also saving time and money.

According to the CDC’s National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, many trips to the ER are for moderate issues like stomach pain, breathing trouble, coughs, or fevers — not always true emergencies. In North Carolina, the average ER visit now costs around $1,700. Meaning, not only are most visits to the ER unnecessary – they’re also very expensive.

So, why are so many folks heading to the ER? There are a lot of reasons. Perhaps it’s after 5 pm and the doctor’s office is closed. Or the patient lives in a rural area that suffers from a shortage of primary care physicians. Or it seems like the fastest way to receive care. (It’s not, by the way. Patients in North Carolina can spend over three hours in the emergency room⁠ before being sent home!)

And then, of course, there’s confusion around what classifies as a health emergency, when it’s appropriate to use the ER, and where to go if your medical need is not an emergency. Below, we’ll walk through a few care options—many available beyond business hours—to keep in mind during your next health scare.

Many times we mix up “urgency” and “emergency” – meaning, if we think there’s an urgent reason to head to the doctor, it feels like an emergency. And so, before we even consider alternative options, we find ourselves waiting in the ER.

This is why it’s important to know what is considered a health emergency, and what is not. Here’s a list of life-threatening emergencies that qualify for a trip to the ER:

• Loss of consciousness, including fainting
• Sudden loss of vision, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Severe trouble breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever with stiff neck, mental confusion or difficulty breathing
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Head trauma
• Seizures, convulsions
• Major broken bones

An easy way to remember when to go to the ER? If the health scare is life-threatening, it’s time to go to the ER.

A broken toe. A mild asthma attack. A sprained ankle.

While all of the situations listed above require immediate attention, most fall into the minor to moderate category, which means you can often get help from your primary care doctor or at an urgent care center. It’s important to understand the key differences between these two options.

There are many reasons to go to your primary care physician when you need care. Most importantly, they know your personal and family medical history, which helps in providing the best care. Many doctors also offer same-day appointments for urgent situations, and seeing your doctor is usually less expensive than going to urgent care or the emergency room. Below are examples of health conditions your doctor can treat in their office.

• Sore or strep throat
• Urinary tract and bladder infections
• Earaches and ear infections
• Minor fevers
• Cough, colds and flu
• Nasal congestion
• Allergy symptoms
• Skin issues, including rashes, ringworm and chicken pox
• Pink eye
• Head lice
• Insect bites
• Minor burns, cuts and scrapes
• Sprains and strains

While this list does not cover everything, it’s a good starting point for deciding where to go when you are experiencing a minor health problem.

Urgent care centers have grown in popularity over the past few years because they offer patients immediate, convenient medical care. This means there’s no appointment necessary – you can walk right in. Most urgent care centers offer same-day appointments – so if you want to avoid spending extra time in the waiting room, this is a great option. They’re also open outside of typical business hours – like evenings and weekends.

Similar to seeing your primary care provider, urgent care is often less expensive than going to the emergency room. In fact, the average cost for your visit⁠ will generally be about one - tenth of a trip to the ER. Here are examples of health concerns that urgent care centers can address. In addition to treating moderate issues, urgent care centers are also equipped to handle all the minor health problems noted above.

• Migraines
• Severe back pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Minor broken bones (toe, foot, finger)
• Fevers
• Asthma attacks (mild to moderate)
• Severe cough
• Eye irritation
• Pinworms
• Minor reactions to medications (itchiness, skin rash, hives)
• Animal bites
• Wounds requiring stitches

North Carolina has urgent health centers in nearly every town. You can find an urgent care center near you by searching our Find a Doctor Tool in the member portal.

Remember, if you’re still unsure of where to go for care, members can always use our 24/7 nurse line, Health Line Blue, for advice. There is no out-of-pocket cost for calling Health Line Blue.

You have options when it comes to your health care, but choosing the best place based on your situation can help save you time and money.