To limit spending on emergency room bills, employers must take the time to enlighten employees about alternatives for non-urgent care. What's more, unnecessary use of emergency rooms could cost the healthcare system billions of dollars a year, not to mention contribute to the rising cost of healthcare for both employees and employers. One in five Americansvisit the emergency room at least once every year, with up to half of those visits being for non-urgent matters. when traveling, at work, after hours, etc). Medical conditions that may be diagnosed via telehealth include allergies, rashes, colds and flus, sore throats, bladder infections, and small wounds and cuts. When to use: Telemedicine is most beneficial for non-urgent ailments and health concerns or when you cannot make it to a physical location (i.e.Convenience: Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare from just about anywhere - making it a convenient option when traveling, avoiding the spread or contracting of illness, living in a remote area, or can't get into your normal physician. Adding virtual care to your organization's benefits package offers employees simple, on-demand care without the cost and time of in-person visits.Since telemedicine visits require fewer resources, patients can expect to pay less than they would for an in-office visit. Cost: Telemedicine visits generate cost savings mainly by diverting patients away from more costly care settings such as emergency rooms.As an affordable and efficient alternative for accessing healthcare, telemedicine is also becoming more attractive to employers and health plans. Telemedicine uses technology and mobile devices to connect patients with real-time consultations from the comfort of their own homes, and is quickly becoming a top choice for people who have non-emergency health issues. When to use: Don't go to urgent care for a life-threatening emergency. If the condition is a minor illness or injury, take advantage of the convenience and affordability your local urgent care has to offer. Common ailments treated at urgent care facilities may include the common cold, strep throat, sinusitis, burns, bug bites, sprains and allergic reactions.Convenience: When you have a minor, acute medical need, urgent care is often far more convenient than going to the emergency room or even your primary doctor’s office.Generally, you will pay for the cost of the visit itself plus the cost of any additional services, tests or treatments. The typical copay at urgent care is between $25 and $75, depending on your insurance. If your deductible has been met, you will only pay for the copay at the time of your visit. Cost: An urgent care facility generally has substantially lower prices than the ER.In fact, there are nearly 7,100 urgent care centers in the U.S. Urgent care centers can now be found just about everywhere, and are a convenient and inexpensive alternative to the emergency room. Put simply, Urgent care is immediate care for non-life threatening illnesses and minor injuries. If the condition is life-threatening, go to an emergency room. When to use: The major difference between emergency rooms and alternatives like urgent care is the severity of the health problem.Convenience: In emergency or life-threatening situations, a visit to the ER is always the best option, regardless of price or geographic location.An ambulance ride may cost $1,000 or more. Without or without health insurance, an ER visit can cost anywhere from $150 to several thousand dollars. On average, a typical co-pay for emergency room services is $50-$100. That said, the cost can often be surprising. Cost: The cost of an emergency room visit varies based on a number of factors, including whether or not you have insurance.
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