Compare Care Options

Compare Single-Visit Costs

The table below shows the approximate costs of a single visit for the treatment of several minor conditions at different types of facilities. Cost estimates do not include medications or other follow-up care. Estimates are based on Medica Choice® network contract rates.

 

Note: The estimates below are based on Medica Choice network contract rates. How were these costs calculated?


 
 

Cost Key:
Lower Cost Medium Cost Higher Cost Highest Cost
Condition Virtual Care/E-visit Convenience Care* Primary Care Clinic Urgent Care Emergency Department
Allergies $49 $82 $201 $253 $1,021
Bronchitis, Acute $49 $84 $183 $268 $1,367
Earache $49 $84 $187 $245 $1,000
Pink Eye $49 $84 $156 $200 $621
Sinusitis, acute $49 $87 $176 $222 $1,157
Sinusitis, chronic $49 $90 $234 $310 $1,329
Strep Throat / Tonsillitis $49 $94 $178 $237 $1,301
Urinary Tract Infection $49 $84 $183 $259 $1,592

*Convenience care sites are usually staffed by licensed providers such as a nurse practitioner and do not typically have a medical doctor on site.

Virtual Care/E-visit


Virtual care, also known as online care or an e-visit, is a convenient way to get care for many common conditions. Connect with a provider from your computer or mobile device to get a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription (if needed).

Note: virtual care is different than receiving care via telemedicine. With telemedicine, you go to a doctor’s office or other health care facility and connect with a provider at another location using the phone, internet or another means.

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Fast Facts

  • For a limited number of common minor ailments
  • Not for emergencies
  • Not designed to provide continuous/follow-up care or treatment
  • Visits are often available after clinic hours, sometimes even 24/7
  • You don't need an appointment

 

Convenience Care


Convenience care sites (MinuteClinic® is an example) usually are located in grocery stores, shopping malls, pharmacies and other retail stores.

 

Convenience care sites are staffed by licensed providers who can diagnose and recommend treatment for certain minor illnesses such as sore throats and ear infections for people older than 18 months.

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Fast Facts

  • For a limited number of common minor ailments
  • Not for emergencies
  • Not designed to provide continuous/follow-up care or treatment
  • Open weekdays and often weeknights, weekends and/or holidays
  • Staffed by licensed providers such as nurse practitioners. (Note: A medical doctor is not usually on site.)
  • Patient must be older than 18 months
  • You don't need an appointment

 

Doctor's Office/Primary Care Clinic


For non-emergency situations, it's best to go to your primary care doctor or clinic for care. Your doctor knows you and your health history; has access to your medical records; and can provide follow-up care or refer you to specialists if necessary. Many primary care clinics offer extended hours and weekend appointments. And most clinics have staff on-call after hours that can help you get the care you need.


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Fast Facts

  • For comprehensive care of illnesses and injuries as well as preventive, routine and chronic care
  • Not for emergencies
  • Open weekdays and may be open some weeknights and/or weekends
  • Staffed by doctors, nurses and other licensed providers
  • If possible, you should call in advance for an appointment

 

Urgent Care Center


Urgent care centers offer a readily accessible care option for minor ailments that require immediate attention. Urgent care centers are staffed with doctors and nurses who can care for a variety of illnesses and injuries, including sprains and strains, minor broken bones, mild asthma attacks, minor infections and rashes, small cuts, ear infections and sore throats.

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Fast Facts

  • For minor ailments that require immediate care
  • Not for emergencies
  • Not designed to provide continuous/follow-up care or treatment
  • Open weekdays and often weeknights, weekends and/or holidays
  • Staffed by doctors, nurses and other licensed providers
  • You don't need an appointment

 

Emergency Department


Emergency departments are located in hospitals. The emergency department is for true medical emergencies. You should not go to an emergency department for minor problems. If you do, you may have to wait a long time because patients with true emergencies are treated first. In addition, emergency care for minor procedures can be more than 10 times as expensive as other care options.

Some examples of when you should go to an emergency department include:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Large open wounds
  • Warning signs of stroke: sudden dizziness or change in vision, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Chest pain
  • Major burns
  • Severe head injury

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Fast Facts

  • For serious or life-threatening health issues
  • Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Staffed by doctors, nurses and other licensed providers
  • You don't need an appointment

 

If your situation seems life-threatening, go to an emergency department immediately or call 911.

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