To ER or not to ER? Click here to continue.
Click here to view a video about when to use an ER versus an ER alternative
Click on the map to locate the Ohio Emergency Room Alternatives near you.


Find an ER alternative near you:
Retail health clinics,
Walk-in doctor’s offices,
Urgent care centers

Not located in Ohio? Please go to www.bcbsa.com and search the Provider Finder for urgent care facilities and retail health/walk-in doctors in your area.

Getting care when you need it quickly

What will you do if you or a loved one needs immediate medical care? Most of us answer, “Go to the nearest emergency room.” But ER wait times are at an all-time high. Unless it’s a true emergency, you may want to consider other options – like urgent care centers and walk-in clinics. Like urgent care centers, medical clinics or walk-in clinics. That’s why it’s important to know your alternatives for immediate care now, before you need them. You can often get treated more quickly and pay less than you would at a hospital emergency room.
 
When to use other options for immediate care
Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are a good choice when you need medical care quickly, but can’t see your regular doctor. Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are often open nights and weekends, and cost much less than an ER visit. Before you go, call and ask about their hours, services and whether they participate in your network. You can find network participation information by looking at our by looking at our on-line provider directory. See a chart of symptoms that usually can be treated somewhere other than the ER.
 
Choices for Immediate Care
Retail health clinic – A clinic that has medical professionals who offer basic medical services to walk-in patients. Can be found in a major pharmacy or retail store.
Walk-in doctor’s office – A doctor's office where you don't already have to be a patient or have an appointment. Can handle routine care and common family illnesses.
Urgent care center – Doctors who treat illnesses or injuries that should be looked at right away but aren't emergencies. Can often do x-rays, lab tests and stitches.
 Your Average Copay: $100-250 ER Visit vs. $15-$40* Doctors office visit, walkin clinic, urgent care center
 
EMERGENCY ROOM RULE OF THUMB
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you think you could put your health at serious risk by delaying care. 
 
LET A NURSE HELP YOU DECIDE
1.   Call our 24/7 NurseLine at the number on the back of your ID card.**
2.   A nurse will help you decide which type of care makes the most sense, and can help you find a clinic or health center near you
 
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey, August 2008.
**Call Customer Service on the back of your ID card to see if 24/7 NurseLine is available on your plan.

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