Getting the right care at the right place may not mean going to the ER
The ER is absolutely where you should go for a life-threatening illness or injury, such as chest pain, head trauma, and other serious conditions.
However, for minor injuries or illnesses – such as a respiratory infection, UTIs, sprains, headaches – you have options that provide faster, less expensive, more appropriate care.
Where to go for care
Use this guide to know where to go for care before you need it.
Retail health clinics
Visit a retail health clinic in a supermarket, drugstore, or big-box retail store for minor, uncomplicated illnesses or injuries when you cannot wait for an appointment with your PCP.
Urgent care
Urgent care is an option for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses that require immediate care, such as ear pain, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, minor burns, or a shallow cut.
Primary care physician (PCP)
For sick care, minor injuries, annual preventive visits, diagnostics, and management of chronic conditions, a PCP is the best option. Your PCP may be a Spira Care provider*, in-network doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Need a PCP?
- Find one in your neighborhood – Visit your member portal 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 – Blue KC members enrolled in a plan with Spira Care can visit a Spira Care Center for $0**. Make an appointment at one of nine Spira Care Centers in the Kansas City metro area.
*If your Blue KC health plan includes Spira Care. **Blue KC members with a Spira Care HSA plan pay a low cost for visits.
