Have you noticed recently that freestanding emergency rooms are popping up around you?
Don’t be fooled. These are not urgent care centers. Many hospitals and other organizations are opening new “freestanding ER” locations. They may appear to be urgent care centers or convenience care clinics, but they are actually still part of the hospital Emergency Room. If you receive care at one of these freestanding ER’s, you may be charged the hospital ER rates for any and all of your services, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs.
If it is not a life or limb threatening emergency, other options may be available to you such as virtual visits, convenience care clinics or urgent care centers which cost much less than an emergency room visit. Remember to check the network status of the provider before you go by logging into your personal account at www.myuhc.com/hs. You can also find network providers on the Health4Me smart phone app, or by calling HealthSelect customer service at 1-866-336-9371.
When it’s not an emergency, don’t forget nurse advocates are available at no cost to you, 24 hours a day/7 days a week and are ready to answer your health questions. Call HealthSelect customer service at 1-866-336-9371 and simply say “Speak to a nurse” to be connected with a nurse advocate.
Emergency room sign
