Change Healthcare Notice

Emergency or Urgent Care?

It matters for your patients.

January 16, 2014 - When clinically appropriate, Urgent Care Centers (UCCs) can provide your patients with the medical care they need for a fraction of the cost.

UCCs
ERs
  • Average copay: $35-551
  • Shorter wait times
  • No appointment needed (for most services)
  • 24/7 access
  • Convenient locations
  • Average copay: $1501
  • Longer wait times
  • Services can be more expensive

Did You Know?

80% of Emergency Room (ER) visits can be treated quickly and effectively at UCCs.2

ER vs. UCC

Educate your patients on their  options.Customize this handout and encourage them to visit  www.carefirst.com/erorurgentcare.

CareFirst PCPs: We heard you.

UCCs will be required to refer patients back to PCPs for follow-up and not market themselves as PCPs to your CareFirst patients seen at UCCs. CareFirst members are encouraged to contact PCPs as the first point of contact. Member education efforts are ongoing through member newsletters, website and other materials.





1Average health plan copays. For many members, deductibles and coinsurance may apply. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey, August 2008.

2Based on Emergency Room/Urgent Care Center and Physician Office Setting Reimbursement Analysis for claims paid during the calendar year 2011 paid through May 2012 for select procedures.