Spring 2019

Is the emergency room your best choice?

As a Moda Health member, you have choices for your care. Some are even free. Knowing your options can help you save time and money.

Your care options

• Primary care provider (PCP): Establishing a relationship with a trusted PCP can help you maintain your health and live well throughout your life. A PCP will get to know you and give you advice for your unique healthcare needs. They will become familiar with your health history and what treatments work best for you. Ultimately, your PCP should be your first choice for care.
• Registered Nurse Advice Line (FREE): This free option puts you in touch with a registered nurse 24/7, 365 days a year. Call for guidance on basic health conditions and symptoms, treatment for minor injuries, and when to visit your doctor.
• Virtual Visits: Think of Virtual Visits as virtual urgent care. From the comfort of your home, or anywhere you choose, you can have a video appointment with a licensed Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Using your computer or mobile device, you can get help with colds and flu, allergies and poison ivy, bites, stings and more. Plus, you get urgent care at home at no cost to you. To schedule a Virtual Visit, go to ohsu.edu/virtualvisits.
• eDoc (FREE): This option is free. Use eDoc to get guidance or answers to questions about non-urgent conditions. eDoc connects you by email to board-certified physicians, licensed psychologists, pharmacists, dentists, dietitians and fitness experts.
• Urgent care: If your PCP isn’t available, and you can’t wait for an appointment, consider urgent care. You might need urgent care if you have a condition like shortness of breath, a fever, flu symptoms, stomach pain or a urinary tract infection.
• Emergency room: It’s best to only go to an emergency room when you need care that’s only available in a hospital. If you have a condition such as chest pain, a broken bone that breaks the skin, a seizure or a stroke, go to the nearest emergency room. If you go with a condition that isn’t life-threatening, you might end up waiting a long time, since providers will see patients whose lives are in danger first.

Questions?
We’re here to help. Please email the Moda Health Medical Customer Service team at PEBBcustomerservice@modahealth.com to learn more.

Please note: Conditions listed in this article are examples and not part of an all-inclusive list.