Learn Where to Get Care When You Need It Fast
Your Health Net plan offers lots of options for same-day care
Sometimes, urgent medical issues arise when your primary physician is unavailable. Knowing your best same-day care option can lead to significant time savings and potentially improve your health outcomes:
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room (ER) for urgent assistance.
The guidelines below can help you make the right choice when you need same-day health care services.
1 Members have the option to utilize selected telehealth service providers identified on their member identification (ID) card for virtual consultations ($0 copayment), which can effectively treat various non-emergency common illnesses. Keep in mind that a deductible might apply depending on your specific health plan.
2 Teladoc visits are available to residents across all 50 U.S. states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, providing convenient remote health consultations.
3 Accessing telehealth services does not guarantee the provision of a prescription; clinicians will assess each case on an individual basis.
4 It’s important to note that not all urgent care centers are equipped to perform lab tests and/or diagnostic services, so confirming their capabilities prior to visiting is advisable.
5 In 2023, patients in Oregon faced an average ER wait time exceeding 2 ½ hours before being admitted as inpatients, highlighting the varying conditions at different locations. For a detailed look, refer to the resource: ER wait times are growing in Oregon. Axios
This information is provided solely for educational purposes and is not to be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding health-related decisions that may impact your well-being.
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Urgent Care Specialist**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. With the rise of urgent medical issues, can you explain the importance of having a solid understanding of same-day care options under Health Net insurance?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial for patients to know their options for same-day care, especially when unexpected health issues arise. Urgent care centers are designed to address a variety of conditions quickly, often without the long wait times associated with emergency rooms or the need for appointments with primary care physicians who may be unavailable.
**Editor:** What types of situations should patients consider visiting urgent care for?
**Dr. Carter:** Patients should consider urgent care for non-life-threatening issues that require immediate attention, such as minor injuries, illnesses like the flu, and common infections. They can also handle diagnostic testing and some imaging services, which can be much quicker than going to an ER.
**Editor:** How can patients find urgent care facilities that accept Health Net insurance?
**Dr. Carter:** Patients can easily find Health Net urgent care providers by using online platforms like Zocdoc. They can filter their search based on location, verified reviews, and other important criteria to find the best immediate care option.
**Editor:** In your opinion, how does access to same-day care impact health outcomes?
**Dr. Carter:** Access to timely medical care can significantly improve health outcomes. When patients receive prompt treatment, it can prevent conditions from worsening, reduce recovery time, and eliminate unnecessary hospital admissions. Knowledge of urgent care options empowers patients to make better health decisions.
**Editor:** What advice do you have for someone who hasn’t used urgent care before?
**Dr. Carter:** My advice would be to keep a list of nearby urgent care facilities that accept your insurance, like Health Net, and familiarize yourself with their services. It’s also helpful to know their hours of operation, as many centers offer extended hours. Being proactive can make a real difference when you need care quickly.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on urgent care and the importance of understanding one’s health insurance options!
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s important to prioritize your health and know where to turn in times of need.
