{"id":956,"date":"2026-06-17T10:03:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T10:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miamimovershub.com\/?p=956"},"modified":"2026-06-17T10:03:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T10:03:48","slug":"er-vs-urgent-care-how-your-choice-impacts-your-wallet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miamimovershub.com\/?p=956","title":{"rendered":"ER vs. urgent care: How your choice impacts your wallet"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"ER<\/figure>\nFlorida summers aren\u2019t just hot \u2013 they are getting hotter.<\/p>\n

New research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences shows the number of 91-degree days has steadily increased over the past six decades, with even more extreme heat expected in the years ahead.<\/p>

Read more Adrienne Arsht Center names winners of inaugural Arshties<\/a><\/p>\n

Those longer stretches of high temperatures can take a toll on the body, increasing the risk of heat-related illness and potentially sending more people to the emergency room (ER). While the ER plays a critical role in life-threatening situations, it\u2019s not always the best option for everyday health needs \u2013 and it could mean a larger hit to your wallet.<\/p>\n

In many cases, patients have other options. Estimates from the National Library of Medicine suggest that 41 to 66 percent of ER visits may be preventable. Choosing the right type of care \u2013 whether primary care, virtual care, or urgent care \u2013 can help you save time, reduce costs, and get treatment faster.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen people understand their care options, they\u2019re better equipped to make decisions that save time, reduce stress, and lower out-of-pocket costs,\u201d said Jim Boyman, senior vice president, Care Delivery Solutions, GuideWell. \u201cIt\u2019s not about avoiding care \u2013 it\u2019s about choosing the setting that best matches your needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ER isn\u2019t always the best choice<\/strong>\nEmergency rooms are designed for serious or life-threatening conditions. For non-emergencies, care in the ER can cost significantly more than other options. Medline Plus reports that ER visits can cost two to three times more than a visit to a primary care doctor, depending on the condition and treatment.<\/p>\n

In addition to higher costs, ER visits often involve longer wait times and less personalized care. In Florida, patients wait an average of 156 minutes in the emergency room, according to Becker\u2019s Hospital Review.<\/p>\n

Start with a primary care doctor<\/strong>\nA primary care doctor is your main point of contact for healthcare throughout the year. They provide preventive care, treat common illnesses, and help manage chronic conditions. And your doctor may offer virtual visits or same-day appointments to help you avoid a visit to the ER.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing your doctor regularly \u2013 including scheduling an annual wellness checkup \u2013 can help detect health issues early, when they can be smaller and easier to treat,\u201d said Dr. Thomas Graf, Florida Blue and parent company, GuideWell\u2019s vice president of Health Services and chief medical officer.<\/p>\n

Plus, many insurance plans cover an annual wellness checkup at no extra cost, making it an essential part of maintaining your health.\nThey\u2019re the best first call for: annual checkups and screenings, common illnesses and minor injuries, and managing ongoing health conditions.<\/p>\n

When to choose virtual care, urgent care, or the ER<\/strong>\nIf your doctor isn\u2019t available, understanding your other options can help you make the right decision:<\/strong>\nVirtual care (telehealth) \u2014 Use virtual care for convenient, fast treatment of minor conditions after hours or when your regular doctor isn\u2019t available. Many providers offer 24\/7 video visits where you can get diagnoses, treatment plans, and prescriptions without having to leave home. They\u2019re best for: colds, rashes, allergies, medication refills.<\/p>

Read more Miami Beach Is Getting It Right.<\/a><\/p>\n

Urgent care \u2014 Urgent care centers are a good option for non-life-threatening issues that need prompt attention. They typically offer extended hours and walk-in availability. They\u2019re best for: minor fractures, sprains, infections, cuts requiring stitches.<\/p>\n

Emergency room (ER) \u2014 The ER should be reserved for serious or life-threatening conditions only. It\u2019s the best choice for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, head injuries, or loss of consciousness.<\/p>\n

Navigating the healthcare system with confidence<\/strong>\nMany Americans are unsure about where to go for care. A survey by The Harris Poll found that 3 in 4 U.S. adults feel their healthcare needs are not always met, often due to confusion about available options. To make more informed decisions:<\/strong>\n\u2022 Know your insurance plan: Understand what services are covered and your potential out-of-pocket costs.\n\u2022 Choose providers in your plan\u2019s network: Using doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies in your health plan\u2019s network usually costs less.\n\u2022 If you don\u2019t have insurance: See a primary care doctor once a year to get a baseline on your health and to have someone to turn to when you\u2019re sick or hurt.<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/strong>\nUnderstanding where to go for care is one of the best ways to take control of your health and avoid unnecessary costs. Learn more about your options at FloridaBlue.com\/KnowWhereToGo.<\/p>\n

ABOUT US:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.<\/em><\/p>\n

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.<\/em><\/p>\n

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami\u2019s culture. Whether you\u2019re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https:\/\/communitynewspapers.com.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.<\/em><\/p>

Read more Get Your Life: Estate Planning 101<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Florida summers aren\u2019t just hot \u2013 they are getting hotter. New research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences shows the number of 91-degree days has steadily increased over the past six decades, with even more extreme heat expected in the years ahead. 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