Looking for a way to save on health care? It might be as close as your cell phone.
Which medical facility do you choose when you have the flu? A sprained ankle? Headaches? Your health plan may now include telemedicine—video or phone conferences with a board-certified doctor, within minutes of a call. You may be able to save the costs of Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care visits for a wide variety of common ailments (see “Treatment Alternatives” below).
A Truven Health Analytics’ study reported that 71% of ER visits are unnecessary.[i] Urgent care facilities now treat a number of minor illnesses and ailments. And the rapidly growing use of telemedicine means that even remote rural areas can get expert consultations with board-certified physicians.
Compare these costs from the study:
| Average ER Visit | Average Primary Care Doctor Visit | Average Telemed Consultation* |
$1,316 |
$145 |
$40-$50 |
*Consult your summary plan description for complete coverage details
Need a better prescription for your health care expenses? The expert care of local physicians may be available with a phone call, no matter where you are.
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM
[i] Sabrina Rodak, “Study: 71% of ED Visits Unnecessary, Avoidable,” Becker’s Hospital Review, April 25, 2013, http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/capacity-management/study-71-of-ed-visits-unnecessary-avoidable.html (accessed February 23, 2016)
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