If you aren’t having an emergency, knowing where to go for medical care may save you on cost and time. Instead of going to the emergency room (ER) first, learn about other care options that may be better for the help you need. Plus, when you visit doctors covered by your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas health insurance, you may pay less for your care.
Visiting your primary care provider (PCP) or doctor could help you save the most money when you need medical help.
You may only have to wait 20 minutes or less for care. Using an in-network doctor helps keep costs low.
Scheduling a virtual visit could help you save time and money. Normally, you'll be able to meet with a doctor in less than 20 minutes. With BCBSTX's virtual visit benefits, you can:
Your doctor may have more telehealth options beyond your BCBSTX benefits. Check with them for virtual care services.
Urgent care clinics can be more expensive than some other care options, and the wait may be longer than with your PCP or virtual care. Urgent care centers:
If you don't have access to an urgent care center, you can use MDLIVE as an urgent care alternative.
Emergency rooms are typically the most expensive way to get care when you need help. Please note, going to a freestanding ER, or FSER, may cost more and be out of network. If you can, visit an ER connected to a hospital.
You may have to wait an hour or more. Even if you use an in-network ER, you can expect a higher bill for care.
1 Internet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral Health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.
2 Virtual Visits, Powered by MDLIVE may not be available on all plans. Virtual Visits are subject to the terms and conditions of your benefit plan, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions. MDLIVE operates subject to state regulations and may not be available in certain states. MDLIVE is not an insurance product nor a prescription fulfillment warehouse. MDLIVE does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA-controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.
MDLIVE operates and administers the virtual visit program and is solely responsible for its operations and that of its contracted providers. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc. and may not be used without written permission.
Blue Cross®, Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
