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Having choices when it comes to your health care decisions is a good thing, but making the right choice about where to go for care can be overwhelming and time consuming, whether it be immediately following a painful injury or when you're caring for a sick child. Emergency rooms might seem like a good option with 24-hour availability, but a visit to the ER can have high out-of- pocket costs and long wait times. So, what are your options to get the right care for the best price? Most people avoid going to the doctor–until a visit is necessary. So, when you need to see one, what's your best course of action? "The better the relationship you have with your primary care physician, the better they can serve you when you need something. The best first step is to make sure you have that relationship with your PCP," says Dr. Patricia L. Toro, Associate Medical Director at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. "They can advise you quickly and be proactive about follow-up care." If you don't have a PCP to consult, your PCP doesn't provide after-hours support, or you require immediate in-person care, urgent care centers are a convenient option, with some offering 24-hour availability. These centers are effective for handling those cases when it's not a life-threatening situation, but you feel like you or your loved one need to be seen in person by a medical professional. Ear infections occurring over the weekend, sports injuries, and other time-sensitive symptoms can be treated at an urgent care center and followed up by your regular doctor. Your PCP may offer telemedicine as part of their services, or apps like Doctor On Demand can efficiently connect you to board-certified doctors. Some urgent issues may be addressed without a visit to a facility. Your PCP practice may offer telemedicine as part of their services, or apps like Doctor On Demand can efficiently connect you to board-certified doctors who can address some medical issues you may experience through a virtual visit. If you are using the app because your PCP is unavailable or the issue takes place after-hours, the doctor can also send notes on the visit directly to your PCP, should you request that the information be shared. Of course, emergencies should always head to the emergency room. No type of acute pain should be delayed in treatment. Chest and abdominal pain, challenges breathing, or severe bleeding are all reasons to head to an emergency room immediately. Should I Go to My Doctor, Urgent Care, or the ER for My Health Concern? A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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