Options for getting care
Save time, money, and stress by knowing where to go for care.
When should I choose my primary care doctor (PCP), urgent care center (UCC) or the Emergency Room (ER)?
In a life-threatening situation, always head to the ER.
You can get treated quickly for illnesses like the flu, upper respiratory infections, colds, strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), migraines, low back pain/strains and minor burns at a lower cost than the emergency room by going to one of the following:
Start with your primary care doctor (PCP).
- Ask your doctor if they offer walk-in appointments, or virtual visits for convenient care from wherever you are.
- Your doctor knows you best and what’s worked best for you in the past.
Regular checkups with your doctor can help manage illnesses and keep you healthy. If you don’t have a PCP, learn more about our in-network doctors and Value Choice Providers.
If you aren’t able to see your primary care provider, consider virtual care.
- If your doctor doesn’t offer virtual visits, check your plan benefits for other options. Learn more about virtual care.
- If you have a Sanitas primary care doctor, you can use the mySanitas app for a virtual visit. Go to mysanitas.com/en/services/virtual-care to get started.
If those options aren’t available, go to your nearest urgent care center (UCC). To find an in-network urgent care center (UCC) near you, click here. They offer:
- Shorter wait times.
- Less expensive than the ER.
- Evening and weekend hours.
- On-site X-rays, EKG tests, blood tests, as well as tests for several illnesses.
- Go to FloridaBlue.com, Find a Doctor, to find one near you.
When necessary, go to an Emergency Room (ER)*. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
What are the costs and wait times for the different care options?
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Cost |
Time |
Severity |
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VIRTUAL VISIT |
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Best for: colds, minor cuts, cough, wheezing, sore throat, headache or migraine, mild allergies, fever, skin rash, anxiety, depression. |
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DOCTOR’S OFFICE |
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Best for: asthma, minor burns, nausea, urination problems, back pain, minor injuries, suspected flu, sinus infection, behavioral health, conjunctivitis or other eye irritation. |
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URGENT CARE |
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Best for: joint/muscle pain or injuries, nausea or diarrhea, respiratory issues, bites, cuts, concussion screening, stitches, asthma attack, X-rays, and suspected strep throat or bronchitis. |
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EMERGENCY ROOM |
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Best For: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or upper abdominal pain or pressure, signs of a possible heart attack or stroke, seizures, severe swelling or hives, severe burns, sudden blurred vision, fainting, sudden dizziness, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, and suddenly being unable to speak, see, walk, move, comprehend or loss of consciousness. |
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Learn more about your options and what to consider when choosing where to go for care in the video below.
*Going to an ER for non-emergency care can be very costly. You could save time and money, and help reduce your stress, by starting with your Primary care doctor, using virtual care or going to a local Urgent Care Center (UCC).