Emergency Room Vs. Urgent Care Vs. Primary Care: How Your Choice Impacts Your Wallet

Understanding your health care options can help you save time, lower costs, and get the right treatment faster

Florida summers aren’t just hot — they’re getting hotter. New research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences shows the number of 91-degree days has steadily increased over the past six decades, with even more extreme heat expected in the years ahead.1 

Those longer stretches of high temperatures can take a toll on the body, increasing the risk of heat-related illness and potentially sending more people to the emergency room (ER). While the ER plays a critical role in life-threatening situations, it’s not always the best option for everyday health needs  — and it could mean a larger hit to your wallet.  

In many cases, patients have other options. Estimates from the National Library of Medicine  suggest that 41 to 66% of ER visits may be preventable.2 Choosing the right type of care — whether primary care, virtual care, or urgent care — can help you save time, reduce costs, and get treatment faster. 

“When people understand their care options, they’re better equipped to make decisions that save time, reduce stress, and lower out-of-pocket costs,” said Jim Boyman, SVP, Care Delivery Solutions, GuideWell. “It’s not about avoiding care — it’s about choosing the setting that best matches your needs.”

The ER isn’t always the best choice

Emergency rooms are designed for serious or life-threatening conditions. For non-emergencies, care in the ER can cost significantly more than other options. Medline Plus reports that ER visits can cost two to three times more than a visit to a primary care doctor, depending on the condition and treatment.3 

In addition to higher costs, ER visits often involve longer wait times and less personalized care. In Florida, patients wait an average of 156 minutes in the emergency room, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.4 

Start with a primary care doctor 

A primary care doctor is your main point of contact for health care throughout the year. They provide preventive care, treat common illnesses, and help manage chronic conditions. And your doctor may offer virtual visits or same-day appointments to help you avoid a visit to the ER. 

“Seeing your doctor regularly — including scheduling an annual wellness checkup — can help detect health issues early, when they can be smaller and easier to treat,” said Dr. Thomas Graf,
Florida Blue and parent company, GuideWell’s Vice President of Health Services and Chief Medical Officer.

Plus, many insurance plans cover an annual wellness checkup at no extra cost, making it an essential part of maintaining your health. 

• They’re the best first call for: annual checkups and screenings, common illnesses and minor injuries, and managing ongoing health conditions

When to choose virtual care, urgent care, or the ER

If your doctor isn’t available, understanding your other options can help you make the right decision:

Virtual care (telehealth)

Use virtual care for convenient, fast treatment of minor conditions after hours or when your regular doctor isn’t available. Many providers offer 24/7 video visits where you can get diagnoses, treatment plans, and prescriptions without having to leave home. 

• They’re best for: colds, rashes, allergies, medication refills

Urgent care

Urgent care centers are a good option for non-life-threatening issues that need prompt attention. They typically offer extended hours and walk-in availability. 

• They’re best for: minor fractures, sprains, infections, cuts requiring stitches

Emergency room (ER) 

The ER should be reserved for serious or life-threatening conditions only. 

• It’s the best choice for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, head injuries, or loss of consciousness

Navigating the health care system with confidence

Many Americans are unsure about where to go for care.  A survey by The Harris Poll found that 3 in 4 U.S. adults feel their health care needs are not always met, often due to confusion about available options.5 To make more informed decisions:

• Know your insurance plan: Understand what services are covered and your potential out-of-pocket costs
• Choose providers in your plan’s network: Using doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies in your health plan’s network usually costs less
• If you don’t have insurance: See a primary care doctor once a year to get a baseline on your health and to have someone to turn to when you’re sick or hurt

Learn more

Understanding where to go for care is one of the best ways to take control of your health and avoid unnecessary costs. 

Learn more about your options at FloridaBlue.com/KnowWhereToGo.

Sources:

1. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/04/08/phew-florida-summers-are-sizzling-and-uf-ifas-research-shows-more-scorching-days-likely-in-the-next-25-years/ 

2. National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5945306/ 

3. MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000593.htm

4. Becker’s Hospital Review: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rankings-and-ratings/ed-visit-times-by-state/ 

5. American Academy of Physician Associates: https://www.aapa.org/research/patient-experience