Many trips to the emergency room (ER) can be avoided. When you need care right away but it is not serious or life threatening, you have options.
Your primary care provider’s office can help guide you to your best option for care. Here are a few reasons to call your provider’s office first:
- Treatment of urgent and long-term health needs
- Appointments for urgent visits
- Available by phone 24/7 for guidance
- Average out-of-pocket cost $10 to $50*
*Actual costs will vary depending on your health plan specifications such as copayment, deductible and coinsurance amounts that may apply. Contact your health plan for benefit details and cost of care.
An urgent care center is usually the next best option if your primary care provider is not available.
- Treatment of urgent needs
- Drop in appointments
- Many open nights and weekends – some 24/7
- Average out-of-pocket cost $50 to $75*
If you have a life or limb threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital-based ER.
*Actual costs will vary depending on your health plan specifications such as copayment, deductible and coinsurance amounts that may apply. Contact your health plan for benefit details and cost of care.
DispatchHealth has a team of medical professionals that will care for urgent health needs in the comfort and safety of your home. An ER physician is also available at all times via phone.
- Call, download the DispatchHealth app or complete a request online.
- The medical team will arrive within a few hours.
- They will call in your prescriptions, provide updates to your primary care provider and handle billing with your insurance company.
Visit DispatchHealth.com to learn more about their services, locations served, cost and insurance.
If your primary care provider is not available, you can call your health plan’s nurse advice line 24/7 for free medical advice. Call the number on the back of your insurance card.
Colorado Crisis Services is available to help with any mental health, substance use or emotional issue. There is no wrong reason to call.
- Available 24/7 every day of the year
- Free, confidential help from crisis counselors and professionally trained peer specialists
- Call, text or walk in for in-person help
Call 1-844-493-8255 | Text “TALK” to 38255
Visit ColoradoCrisisServices.org for more information and walk-in center locations.
Save the ER for urgent health needs that may be life threatening or cause serious harm to your body. When deciding where to go for care, keep these things in mind regarding the ER:
- Short-term fix for health and medication needs
- No record of your medical history
- Long wait times for non-emergent cases
- Average out-of-pocket cost $150 to $750 and up*
If you have a life or limb threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital-based ER.
*Actual costs will vary depending on your health plan specifications such as copayment, deductible and coinsurance amounts that may apply. Contact your health plan for benefit details and cost of care.