Guide to Care: Know Your Healthcare Options Before You Need Them
Deciding where to get help when you or someone in your family is sick or hurting can be confusing. Finding care when you need it can help speed up your recovery and save time and money.
Simple 24/7 access to a doctor using a smartphone or computer. Get a quick diagnosis and treatment options for minor problems.
Wait time5 minutesAverage cost$75A walk-in visit with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, seven days a week, inside a retail store or drugstore. Get a quick diagnosis and treatment options for minor problems.
Wait time15–20 minutesAverage cost$125Your primary care physician (PCP) is your family doctor. They're often supported by a care team that can include a physician assistant (PA) and a nurse practitioner (NP). PCPs have your medical records, know your past conditions and can better diagnose your symptoms. You'll need to make an appointment to see them.
Wait time4 daysAverage cost$175A medical clinic staffed by doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who quickly treat illnesses and injuries that aren't life-threatening. Walk in without an appointment seven days a week, usually with short wait times.
Wait time15 minutesAverage cost$200A newer care option. These are freestanding emergency rooms that aren't part of a hospital. They offer many of the same services as a hospital emergency room and are often more expensive.
Wait time30 minutesAverage cost$1,500+Located in a hospital and open 24/7, 365 days a year. This is where you get care for serious illnesses and injuries.
If you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Wait time2+ hoursAverage cost$1,200+
This tool does not provide medical advice. The information on Find the Right Care is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not delay seeking care because of something you read here.
Primary Care
Primary care provides comprehensive, ongoing healthcare from a trusted provider who handles everything from routine checkups and preventive care to managing chronic conditions and coordinating referrals.
Speciality Care
Specialty care involves focused, advanced treatment by experts with specialized training in specific medical fields like cardiology or surgery, typically accessed through referrals for complex conditions.
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
Making informed healthcare choices helps keep you safe, improves the quality of your care, and can lower your overall costs.
Is your local hospital safe? The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade gives hospitals a single letter grade based on how well they protect patients from mistakes, injuries, and infections. Use this information to decide which hospital is right for you.
