Medicare Advantage Urgent Care Options

Visiting the ER is time consuming and expensive. But did you know that according to NEHI, the New England Health Institute, 56% of all visits are avoidable?

We all have minor illnesses and accidents. There are times when we definitely need care right away, but it’s not life threatening. Harvard Pilgrim offers a variety of options for you to get care in a different setting than the ER, no matter where you live or work, that will save you time and money.

Is it life threatening?

If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Common medical emergencies that should be treated in an ER include:

  • Choking
  • Convulsions
  • Heart attack
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Major blood loss
  • Seizures
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe head trauma
  • Shock
  • Stroke 

Convenience care clinics

Also known as walk-in clinics or retail clinics (such as MinuteClinic), convenience care clinics provide walk-in care for common illnesses. They are typically staffed by board-certified nurse practitioners and offer availability during evenings and weekends, seven days a week.*

Common symptoms treated include:

  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infections
  • Eye infections
  • Strep throat
  • Skin conditions like poison ivy and ringworm

Cost:
This is a lower-cost alternative to an ER visit and you will be responsible for paying your standard specialist office visit cost share.

To be covered by Harvard Pilgrim, you must go to one of our participating providers. Under Specialty, select Convenience Care Clinic.

* Clinic hours, capabilities and types of services may vary depending on the provider location. Be sure to call and ask before you go.

Urgent care centers

Urgent care centers are walk-in freestanding facilities.

Urgent care centers provide walk-in service and are typically staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Look up participating providers near you. They offer availability during evenings and weekends, seven days a week.*

Common symptoms treated include:

  • Burns
  • Rashes
  • Bites
  • Cuts
  • Bruises
  • Infections
  • Coughs, cold and flu
  • Minor injuries
  • Respiratory infections
  • Sprains and strains

Cost:
You'll typically be responsible for paying a copayment for urgent care. The copayment will be higher than for an office visit or a convenience care clinic visit.