What’s the Difference Between Emergency Care, Urgent Care and Virtual Visits?

Emergency Care

An emergency is an illness, injury, symptom or condition so serious, that a reasonable person would seek care right away to avoid serious harm. You typically receive emergency care at the emergency room. Emergency care conditions include the following.

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

• Sudden numbness in an arm or leg

• Head or neck injury

Urgent Care

Urgent care is for an unexpected injury or illness that is not life threatening, but still needs attention quickly so it doesn’t develop into a serious problem. Urgent care is available at your personal doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic or an urgent care facility. Areas of urgent care include the following.

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Pink eye

• Sinus infections

• Cuts requiring stitches

• Allergic reactions

Virtual Visit

Another option if you are sick is a virtual visit with MDLIVE®. A virtual visit is a convenient way to get care through your computer, smartphone or tablet. All Network Health plans offer virtual visits as an alternative to urgent care visits for non-emergency medical conditions. As a Network Health member, you can even receive urgent care at home through Pivotal Health. Learn more at pivotalhealth.care/ locations. Appointments with behavioral health counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists are also available through MDLIVE. Areas of virtual care include the following and more.

• Behavioral health services

• C old and flu

• C ough

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Headache

• Pink eye

• Nausea and vomiting

• Respiratory problems

• Urinary problems or UTI

Your coverage for each of these services varies depending on your plan. Be sure to call the member experience team at the number on the back of your member ID card or visit your member portal at login.networkhealth.com to verify your benefits.

Always Remember

If you or a loved one is hurt or ill, panic and confusion can make it difficult to know what to do. If you feel you’re experiencing a medical emergency, it’s important to get to the nearest emergency room or call 911. If it’s not an emergency, many times your personal doctor, a virtual visit, an urgent care or walk-in clinic can provide the care you need at a lower cost.