Alternatives to the Emergency Room

We help members understand all of the available options to save time and money

Visiting the ER can be time consuming and expensive for members and employers. According to NEHI, the New England Health Institute, 56% of all ER visits are avoidable. We encourage members to check in with their PCP first whenever they are faced with a situation where care is needed but not life-threatening. We offer coverage for care at other facilities which may help members save money and time.


Urgent Care Virtual Visits

When a PCP visit isn’t available, virtual visits are a great choice for care, saving you and your employees time and money. These services are sometimes called video visits, telemedicine or telemental health. Members see a provider for urgent medical care or behavioral health services through real-time, Skype-like technology—using a smartphone, tablet or computer. This allows them the option to get care without needing to travel to a provider’s office, urgent care center, or emergency room.

These options can reduce absenteeism, eliminate the need to arrange for child care, and support privacy by letting members receive care wherever they may be.

Doctor On Demand

Using the Doctor On Demand app or website, members can receive treatment for common medical conditions such as cold & flu, asthma & allergies, bronchitis & sinus issues, upset stomach, rashes & skin issues, UTIs and eye issues. Physicians can send prescriptions directly for pick-up at your local pharmacy.1

Doctor on Demand also provides behavioral health virtual visits (not for emergency care).

Harvard Pilgrim’s provider network

Some providers may offer telemedicine services to patients. We recommend that members consult with their PCP office and/or the offices of their other providers to learn about any offerings they have.

Doctor On Demand physicians do not prescribe Schedule I-IV DEA controlled substances, and may elect not to treat or prescribe other medications based on what is clinically appropriate.


Urgent Care Centers and Convenience Care Clinics

These walk-in facilities offer lower cost sharing and can treat a variety of symptoms including bronchitis, ear infections, skin conditions and sprains. Members can easily find facilities using our provider directory.

Convenience care clinics: Select the plan, click “Other care providers” and then “Convenience Care Clinic” under “Specialty.”

Urgent care centers: Select the plan, click “Other care providers” and then “Urgent Care Centers” under “Specialty.”


Tools

Use these tools to promote virtual visits and help your employees set up accounts to get care when they need it.

Flyers

Doctor On Demand

Doctor On Demand physicians do not prescribe Schedule I-IV DEA controlled substances, and may elect not to treat or prescribe other medications based on what is clinically appropriate.

The service is not meant for crisis or emergency situations. Anyone experiencing a crisis or emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.