There’s a better way
than the ER

The emergency room is the right choice for life-threatening conditions — but for many non-emergency health concerns, there are faster, more affordable, and less stressful options.

Included Health connects you to virtual primary or urgent care so you can address your health needs quickly and skip unnecessary ER visits.

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A woman scheduling a virtual visit with their doctor.
A nurse speaking with a patient in a recovery room.

When to go to the emergency room

Always go to the ER or call 911 for serious health issues, like: severe chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty), severe bleeding, major trauma or injuries, loss of consciousness, or other life-threatening symptoms.

Virtual Primary Care vs
Urgent Care vs ER

Wondering what type of care makes sense for your health needs? Watch this quick video for more details.

A father checking his son's temperature.

Not an emergency? You have options

For many urgent or ongoing health needs, you can get high-quality care without going to the ER.

Best for: Minor symptoms or when you’re unsure what to do next

Examples: Mild cough or cold, sore throat, seasonal allergies, small cuts, medication questions

Why choose it:

  • Often available within the hour
  • Low or no cost
  • Helps you decide the next best step

Talk to a nurse

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Best for: Ongoing health needs, new non-urgent symptoms, follow-ups

Examples: Headaches, diabetes or blood pressure check-ins, mild asthma symptoms, medication refills, preventive care

Why choose it:

  • Personalized care from a provider who knows your history
  • Better long-term condition management
  • Lower cost than the ER

Find an in-network provider

Best for: Conditions that need prompt care, but aren’t life-threatening

Examples: The flu, urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, rashes, sprains or minor injuries, mild breathing changes

Why choose it:

  • Often seen in minutes
  • Significantly lower cost than the ER
  • No crowded waiting rooms, if booking a virtual appointment

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How we support you, outside of the ER

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Faster access to care

Instead of having to wait for hours in the ER, you can get near-immediate care by connecting with our Care Team or your primary care provider, either in person or virtually.

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No surprise costs

When you go to the ER, you may have to pay surprise costs. With Included Health, you can get the care you may need at a manageable price.

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Less stress than a waiting room

No need to sit for hours in an ER waiting room. Included Health helps you connect to a provider with the urgency you need, through both on-demand and appointment-based care that respects your time.

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More holistic ongoing care

Instead of disconnected ER visits, get consistent support from providers who can help you find the right care, at the right time, without stepping foot in the ER or seeing different doctors every time.

Managing ongoing or complex conditions?

If you live with chronic health needs, symptom flare-ups can feel urgent. Get connected care — instead of one-time
ER visits — with Care and Case Management (CCM) by Included Health.

  • Connect quickly to providers
  • Adjust medications
  • Review new or existing symptoms
  • Coordinate follow-up care
  • Access mental health support
  • Get in touch with Care Advocates 24/7

Call 1-855-431-5533 and ask about the CCM program

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Still not sure where to go for care?

We’re here to help. Message your Care Team in the Included Health app or call 1-855-431-5533 and we’ll help you get the right care, right away.