Find the Right Help for Sniffles, Cuts and EmergenciesNot every health concern requires a trip to the emergency room (ER). In fact, most times the ER isn't your best option. Knowing where to go for care, and when, can help you save money and avoid long wait times. Use this quick guide to learn your healthcare options so you can to find the one that's right for you. Keep in mind that the cost of care can vary depending on the healthcare facility you choose, whether the provider is in your plan's network, and whether or not you've met your annual deductible.

Sniffles, Coughs and Aches

When you have minor symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, headache, low fever or rash, make the nurse line or telemedicine your first line of care. These services provide an easy way to get non-emergency care without leaving the comfort of home (or even getting out of your pajamas).

24/7 Nurse Line — Free for You! Call a nurse anytime, day or night. The nurse can help you decide on the type of care you need, find network doctors and clinics, answer questions about coverage or suggest at-home treatment. The nurse line is available at no cost to you. Call the number on your medical ID card or learn more here.

Telemedicine Whether you're on a business trip, on vacation or simply too sick to get out of bed, you can speak with a doctor by phone or video chat on your laptop or mobile device. A telemedicine visit usually costs less than an office visit and can save you a lot of time. Learn more.

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What's an Emergency? An emergency is a severe medical condition (including severe pain and/or unexpected symptoms during an illness or after a serious accident) that would cause a reasonable person to expect that the absence of immediate medical attention will result in placing the health or survival of the individual in serious jeopardy, seriously impair bodily functions or cause serious dysfunction to a bodily organ or part. Examples include coughing or vomiting up blood, chest pain or severe shortness of breath, major injury or broken bones, sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness or symptoms that may be life-threatening or disabling.

Although your McKesson medical plan covers ER visits everywhere, your costs may be higher for visits that don't require emergency care, especially at an out-of-network ER.

Minor Cuts, Burns and Sprains

For those "life happens" moments when you fall off your bike, twist your ankle or have another serious concern that isn't life-threatening, it's a good idea to see a doctor in person. Choose from one of the healthcare facilities below. Be sure to visit a network facility so you can take advantage of their discounted rates. Log on to your medical plan carrier's website or app to find the network retail clinic, urgent care center or doctor's office closest to you. You can also call the number on the back of your medical ID card.

Emergencies — Heart Attack, Head Trauma, Broken Bones

Retail or Walk-in Clinic Get a consultation at your local network retail clinic. They’re usually inside retail pharmacy locations.

Hospital Emergency RoomsIf you’re experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or head to the nearest ER.

Urgent Care Get same-day care at an urgent care center in your plan's network, but pay less than you would for a visit to the ER.

Free-Standing Emergency Rooms These ERs provide both emergency and urgent care services. They're generally not a part of a hospital and may have limited emergency services. If you're facing a true emergency, consider heading to a hospital ER. If you need urgent care, instead of going to a free-standing ER, consider going to your doctor or head over to an urgent care center. Freestanding ERs charge you emergency room prices for all services.

Office Visit Make an appointment to see a network doctor or specialist. This is a great option if your health concern can wait, but requires an in-person visit.

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Get an Expert Second Opinion and Advice

If you used one of your care options and are unsure about the diagnosis or treatment plan you were given, call Best Doctors for an expert second opinion and advice. This program is available at no cost to you and family members covered by your McKesson medical plan. Learn more.

Make Preventive Care a Priority

Taking steps to prevent illness is a good way to stay your healthiest and keep healthcare costs down. You can help prevent and monitor health conditions by getting routine checkups and preventive care, such as immunizations. Talk to your doctor about which services make sense for you.

Be sure to use network providers when possible to take advantage of their discounted rates, which can help you save money.

Tap into Advocacy Services

If you reached out to your carrier's member advocacy services for help but were unable to get a resolution, contact an Alight Health Pro™. A Health Pro can help you understand your benefits, resolve billing errors, transfer medical records or schedule appointments at no cost to you. Click the Advocacy Services tile on UPoint to get in touch with an Alight Health Pro. You can also call the HR Support Center at 855.GO.MCKHR (855.466.2547) and press 1.

Register on Your Carrier's Website

Before you need care, register on your medical plan carrier’s website (and download their app) to find a network retail clinic, doctor, urgent care clinic or ER near you. Your carrier also provides member advocacy services to help you understand your coverage and handle any healthcare questions you may have.

www.aetna.com877.286.39008 a.m. - 6 p.m. Your local time, M-F

www.anthem.com/ca 866.820.07636 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mountain time

www.myCigna.com800.244.6224Available 24/7

www.kp.orgFind the phone number for your region on the Kaiser Permanente website.

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