Know where to go, and how much it could cost, so you can get the right care at the right time. Use this guide to help you choose between your primary care provider (PCP), urgent care, telehealth or the emergency room (ER).
If you're experiencing an emergency, go to the closest ER or call 911.
Where you should go for care depends on your symptoms and how severe they are. Quickly scan some of your care options, then learn more about them below. Ready to check your in-network options? Start searching doctors and hospitals and other care options covered by your plan.
Primary care provider (PCP)
Likely your lowest cost option. Call ahead or book appointments online.
Best for minor illnesses, like colds or sore thoats, minor injuries, as your first stop for chronic conditions, and preventive care.
Telehealth
A low-cost option available 24/7. Meet with a licensed provider anytime, anywhere you have internet connection.
Best for minor, non-emergency illnesses or injuries after normal doctor office hours.
Urgent Care
A mid-cost option. Walk-in appointments are normally available.
Best for same-day needs that aren't emergencies, like stomach bugs, fevers or minor fractures or cuts that might need stitches.
Emergency room (ER)
Likely your most expensive option. A last resort for life-threatening concerns. Walk-in for care, but expect wait times.
Best for stroke-like symptoms, chest pain or trouble breathing or severe bone fractures or bleeding.
If you're experiencing an emergency, go to the closest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
Where you go for care, how much it costs and how long you could wait can vary, but consider these averages. Depending on your follow-up care, if you go someplace in-network or out-of-network and how busy each office is could affect your costs or wait time.
| Average Cost | Symptoms | Average Wait Time | |
| PCP | Preventive care: $0 Copay: $10-$50 | Minor illness or injury, sore throat, preventive care, specialist referrals and as a first-stop for chronic conditions | Same-day to 3 days for appointment, depending on the provider |
| Telehealth | Copay: $10-$50 | Non-emergency illnesses, injuries, common conditions, prescription refills and some behavioral health support | Available 24/7 with 10-15 minute waits |
| Urgent Care | Copay: $15 - $75 | Non-emergency symptoms when your PCP's not available, cuts that need stitches, minor fractures, stomach bugs and mid-grade fevers | Walk-in appointments available with 30 min - 2 hour waits |
| ER | $150 - $1,000+ | Life-threatening emergencies, like trouble breathing, chest pain, strokes or stroke-like symptoms or major injuries or bleeding | Walk-in appointments available with 2-6+ hour wait times |
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. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral Health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.
2 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 benefits, limitations, and exclusions. MDLIVE operates subject to state regulations and may not be available in certain states. MDLIVE is not an insurance product nor 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 reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.
MDLIVE is a separate company that operates and administers Virtual Visits for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. MDLIVE is solely responsible for its operations and for those of its contracted providers. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc., and may not be used without permission.
Virtual Visits may be limited by plan. For providers licensed in New Mexico and the District of Columbia, Urgent Care service is limited to interactive online video; Behavioral Health service requires video for the initial visit but may use video or audio for follow-up visits, based on the provider’s clinical judgment. Behavioral Health is not available on all plans.
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