The ER often is not the answer to what’s ailing you
Josh crawled in bed last night with a sore throat, muscle aches, and chills. By morning, he also had a fever and cough. Days later things had not improved, and Josh had a decision to make.
Where to go for care.
Sarah’s running late, it’s storming, and when she stepped out of the car at work, she slid and hurt her knee. Swollen and in pain, Sarah had a decision to make.
Where to go for care.
Josh and Sarah are not real members.
One patient went to the ER, the other didn’t
Josh went to the ER where he waited with a room full of sick people for several hours. When he finally saw a doctor, he was prescribed over-the-counter meds, fluids, and rest. Several weeks later he received a sizable bill from the ER.
Sarah visited an in-network urgent care near her house, saw a doctor within an hour, was treated, and prescribed pain meds. She was resting at home by lunchtime, and her bill was a fraction of what Josh paid.
A time and a place for the ER
The ER is absolutely the place for a life-threatening emergency, chest pain, head trauma, and other serious conditions.
However, some people default to the ER for flu and other respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections, and minor illnesses and injuries. They often endure long waits and big bills. Plus, ERs have little or no connection to your existing health conditions or history and provide no follow up.
The good news: Other options can provide faster and much less expensive care. Refer to the stoplight to know where to go for care.
Don’t have a doctor? Don’t worry.
Blue KC can help you find an in-network doctor in a matter of minutes. We suggest establishing yourself with a doctor now, so if the need arises, you’re in the system and ready for care.
- Find a doctor in your neighborhood – Visit your member account at MyBlueKC.com, select Find Care in the left column, then enter any of the following in the search bar: PCP, family medicine, internal medicine, general practice, or a specific provider name.
- Visit a Spira Care Center – If you’re in a plan with exclusive access to Spira Care, you can visit a Spira Care Center for low or no additional costs1. Make an appointment at one of nine Spira Care Centers in the Kansas City metro area.
- Contact our local Care Team2 using the Blue KC Care Management app – The Care Team can work with you find a doctor; simply click Chat at the bottom of the app. Not using the app yet? Get it now:
- Download Blue KC Care Management app from the App Store or Google Play
- Open the app and click Sign Up
- Enter access code kcbluewelcome
- Follow the instructions to set up your account. You’ll need your Blue KC member ID card.
Next time you need immediate care, look beyond the ER for options that are faster and less expensive so you can get home, get comfortable, and get on with life.
1For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations, and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, see your insurance broker or contact Blue KC. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. In case of a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
2The Blue KC Care Management team includes registered nurses, social workers, and community health workers trained to help you navigate your care and connect you with resources. The Blue KC Care Management team does not provide treatment or medical advice. The Care Management team is available during normal business hours.
