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May 21, 2026

It's a busy Monday morning and your child wakes up with a sore throat and fever. You know they need care, but should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the emergency room (ER)?

Knowing where to go for care can help you get the right care faster for as little out of your pocket as possible. 

Start with a primary care doctor

A primary care doctor is your main point of contact for health care throughout the year. They understand your medical history, provide preventive care, and help coordinate treatment if you need a specialist. Your doctor may also offer virtual visits or same-day appointments to help you avoid a visit to the ER.

Regular visits with your doctor, like an annual wellness checkup, are key to staying healthy. Many Florida Blue plans cover an annual wellness checkup at no additional cost.*

  • In addition to annual checkups, your doctor is the best first stop for:  common illnesses like colds, flu, or infections; minor injuries such as small cuts or mild sprains; and managing ongoing health conditions

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

If your doctor isn’t available or you need care quickly, you have other options.

Virtual care (telehealth)

Virtual care allows you to connect with a provider by video or phone, often 24/7. You can get care and prescriptions right from your sofa and save gas and a trip to the doctor.

  • Try it for: colds, rashes, allergies, medication refills

Urgent care

Urgent care centers treat non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention. They often offer extended hours and walk-in visits, and visits are usually less expensive and shorter than the ER.

  • Try it for: minor fractures, sprains, infections, cuts that may require stitches

Emergency room (ER)

The ER is designed for treating serious or life-threatening conditions and should only be used when immediate care is critical. This is the most expensive and time-consuming option for care, whether you have insurance or not.

  • Use the ER for: chest pain, trouble breathing, severe injuries, or loss of consciousness

Understand your health plan and costs

Choosing the right care also means understanding your health insurance benefits. Before you need care:

  • Check your coverage: Know what services are included and your potential out-of-pocket costs
  • Choose providers in your plan’s network: This will usually save you money
  • Explore your options: Many health plans offer tools to help you compare care options and find providers nearby

Get the most value out of your health plan

Florida Blue members have easy-to-use tools — online or in the app — to help you feel more confident about your care options.

Log in to your member account to:

  • Search for in-network doctors and urgent care centers
  • Get tools that help you estimate costs
  • Learn more about your care options

Take a few minutes to understand your options and make a plan so you’re ready the next time you need care.

Choosing the right place for health care can save you time and money

  • Start with your primary care doctor: Your first stop for most health concerns and your annual wellness visit (often covered at no extra cost).
  • Use virtual care (telehealth): Best for minor issues like colds, rashes, or medication refills — available 24/7 in many cases.
  • Visit urgent care: For non-life-threatening conditions that need quick attention, like sprains, minor fractures, or infections.
  • Go to the emergency room (ER): Only for serious or life-threatening symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe injuries.
  • Know your health plan: Staying in-network and understanding your benefits can help lower out-of-pocket costs.