Page 17 - 2020 Benefits Guide

Where to Go for Care

24/7 Nurseline
The 24/7 Nurseline can help you identify
some options when you or a family
member have a health problem or concern.
Confused About Where to Go for Care? Nurses are available at 800-581-0393, 24
SmartER Care options may save you money. hours a day, seven days a week, to answer
SM
your health questions.
If you aren’t having an emergency, deciding where to go for medical care may save you time and money.
You have choices for where you get non-emergency care. Use the chart below to help you figure out when Freestanding ER Urgent Care Center or Freestanding ER
to use each type of care.
• Open 24 hours, seven Knowing the Difference Can Save
When you use in-network providers for your family’s health care, you usually pay less for care. Search days a week
for in-network providers in your area at bcbstx.com or by calling the Customer Service number on your Hospital ER You Money! Urgent care centers and
member ID card. • Open 24 hours, seven • Could be transferred freestanding ERs can be hard to tell
to a hospital-based ER
days a week depending on medical apart. Freestanding ERs often look a lot
• Average wait time is situation like urgent care centers, but costs may
four hours, seven • Services do not
Urgent Care minutes 4 include trauma care be higher. A visit to a freestanding ER
Center • If you receive care • Often freestanding ERs often results in medical bills that may
Virtual Visits Doctor’s Office Retail Health • Generally open evenings, from an out-of-network are out-of-network. If be 10 times the rate charged by urgent
provider, you may have
care centers for the same services. Here
you receive care from an
• Available 24 hours a day, seven days • Office hours vary Clinic weekends and holidays to pay more. Providers out-of-network provider, are some ways to know if you are at a
outside the network
a week • Generally the best place to • Based upon retail • Often used when your may “balance bill” you, you may have to pay
• Access to care for non-emergency go for non-emergency care store hours doctor’s office is closed, which means they may more. Providers outside freestanding ER:
the network may “balance
and you don’t consider it
medical issues or speak with a licensed an emergency charge you more than bill” you, which means • Look like urgent care centers, but have
counselor, therapist or psychiatrist • Doctor-to-patient • Usually lower out-of-pocket your health plan’s fee they may charge you more the word “Emergency” in their name or
cost than urgent care
whether you’re at home or traveling relationship established • Average wait time is schedule. than your health plan’s fee
and therefore able to
3
• Visit with a health care professional treat, based on knowledge • Often located in stores 16-24 minutes • Multiple bills schedule. on the building.
by calling 888-680-8646, going to of medical history and pharmacies to provide • Many have online for services such as • All freestanding ERs • Are open 24 hours a day, seven days
MDLIVE.com/bcbstx or using the convenient, low-cost and/or telephone doctors and facility charge a facility fee that a week.
®
MDLIVE mobile app 1 • Average wait time is treatment for minor check-in urgent care centers do
medical problems
2
• Medical: Average wait time is less 18 minutes not. You may receive • Are not attached to and may not be
than 20 minutes. other bills for each doctor affiliated with a hospital.
5
• Behavioral Health: Can be scheduled you see. • Are subject to the same ER member
24 hours a day, but consultations are share which may include a copay,
conducted by appointment.
coinsurance and applicable deductible.
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Find urgent care centers near you by
If you need emergency care, call 911 or seek help from any doctor or hospital immediately. texting URGENTTX to 33633.
1 Internet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Note: The relative costs described here are for independently contracted network providers. Your costs for out-of-network providers may be significantly
Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. higher. Wait times described are just estimates.
Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe.
Virtual visits, Powered by MDLIVE may not be available on all plans. Virtual visits are subject to the terms and conditions of your benefit plan, including
2 Vitals Annual Wait Time Report, 2017.
benefits, limitations, and exclusions. MDLIVE operates subject to state regulations and may not be available in certain states. MDLIVE is not an insurance
3 Wait Time Trends in Urgent Care and Their Impact on Patient Satisfaction, 2017. product or a prescription fulfillment warehouse. MDLIVE does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA-
controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE physicians
4 Emergency Department Pulse Report 2010 Patient Perspectives on American Health Care. Press Ganey Associates. reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.
5 The Texas Association of Health Plans.
The information provided in this guide is not intended as medical advice, nor meant to be a substitute for the individual medical judgment of a doctor or
other health care professional. Please check with your doctor for individualized advice on the information provided. Coverage may vary depending on your
specific benefit plan and use of network providers. For questions, please call the number on the back of your member ID card.
Clint Gollnick, Outside Sales Rep
Georgetown, TX 16 16