Urgent care and emergence room - payment different Emergency Care - BCBS

Will the amount I pay be different if I go to an urgent care center vs. an emergency room?

Benefits vary by plan, but typically your co-pay will be lower if you visit an urgent or ambulatory care center. Whenever possible, you should avoid hospital emergency rooms unless the emergency is life threatening. View Current Benefits located under the Benefits menu.

When should I go to an urgent care center (walk-in clinic) vs. an emergency room?

     For non-emergency assistance, urgent care centers (also called ambulatory care centers) provide prompt, quality service. They are staffed with qualified doctors and nurses who can handle medical problems like cuts and colds, flu symptoms, minor fractures, sprains and burns, ear infections, allergic reactions, animal bites, sprains and even immunizations.

     In a medical emergency—including shortness of breath, severe abdominal or chest pains, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, changes in vision, severe vomiting or other life-threatening condition—call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

What do I do in the case of an emergency?

If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room or similar facility for treatment. Although no pre-certification is required for emergency situations, please notify BCBSF if you are admitted to the hospital as soon as reasonably possible.

If I leave the emergency room after I've checked in, will I still be responsible for payment?

It depends on the hospital. You may still be responsible for payment if you leave after you have checked in.

Do you cover emergency care?

Yes. View Current Benefits located under the Benefits menu for more information about emergency care.