Save big money by making the right choice
When you have a true medical emergency, you know what to do. Call 911 or get to your nearest emergency room (ER) as quickly as possible. But when you need after-hours care for a condition that isn't life-threatening or severe, an urgent care center is a much better option. You could save time and a huge chunk of money. Urgent care centers offer a full scope of medical care without an appointment. Most are available seven days a week, often with extended hours. Find one near you at the PEHP Provider Search when you log in to your online personal account. Familiarize yourself with the ERs contracted in your network so you’ll be prepared. If you're admitted to a non-contracted ER, make sure to get pre-notification from PEHP.
Your Doctor (Primary Care) |
Urgent Care Center |
Emergency Room |
|
When to go | For most non-urgent conditions when you can be seen during usual business hours. |
When you need immdiate medical attention, but your doctor isn't available. Examples:
|
For emergencies in which your life may be in danger or you're suffering severe symptions Examples:
|
Your Cost |
Lowest Generally $25-$100 |
Low Generally $35-$150 |
High $150-$2,000 or more |
Availability | Usual business hours | Seven days a week, often with extended hours | 24/7 |
ER Care |
Urgent |
|
Alcohol/Drug Use | $1,645 | $134 |
Liver, Pancreas | $2,721 | $152 |
Blood Diseases | $1,620 | $106 |
Male Reproductive | $1,642 | $115 |
Burns | $752 | $119 |
Mental Health | $1,402 | $113 |
Circulatory Issues | $2,737 | $133 |
Metabolic Diseases | $1,473 | $136 |
Digestive Issues | $2,564 | $132 |
Musculoskeletal | $1,476 | $151 |
Ear, Nose, Mouth & Throat | $1,276 | $118 |
Myeloproliferative Diseases | $1,106 | $136 |
Eye | $1,021 | $106 |
Nervous System | $2,134 | $129 |
Newborns | $1,118 | N/A |
Female Reproductive | $2,497 | $122 |
Respiratory Issues | $1,576 | $128 |
Infections | $1,151 | $116 |
Skin, Breast Concerns | $1,098 | $145 |
Injuries, Poisonings | $1,396 | $119 |
Kidney Disease | $2,309 | $120 |
*For illustrative purposes only. Based on PEHP average-cost data for allowed amounts from February 2013. Your costs may vary.