24 hours a day, 7 days a week
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Office hours may vary
Hours based on retail store hours
Generally includes evening, weekend and holiday hours
Open 24 hours, 7 days a weekJoin our mailing list to receive helpful information.
Thank you!
Your information has been received.
Sorry!
Your information could not be received.
Video Transcript
SmartER Care Intro
CHET: Welcome to SmartER Care-- A Game Show Challenge. Our contestants tell us where they would go for care, and we tell them if we agree with their choice. Just a reminder, when your injury or illness is serious or life threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. For all your other health care needs, it's a good idea to start with your primary-care provider when available. Are you ready to play SmartER Care?
[APPLAUSE]
SPEAKER: Yes!
CHET: All right, look to the screen for your first question.
SmartER Care Round 1
SPEAKER 1: Oh, no. It's Saturday, and Laura strained her back. What level of care does Laura need?
[BELL]
Jen?
JEN: She should call her primary care doctor. If not available, then maybe an urgent care center in her plan's network. Most of the urgent care centers I know of have weekend hours too.
SPEAKER 1: That's correct, Jen. Even if her primary care doctor isn't in, a doctor at an urgent care center can take care of a muscle strain. No need for the time and expense of an emergency room visit. Answer this question correctly to score. Your toddler tells you that his ear feels sore, and you think it could be an ear infection. He doesn't have a fever or any other symptoms. What level of care does your little one need?
[BELL]
Molly?
MOLLY: The emergency room.
[BUZZER]
SPEAKER 1: Sorry, Molly. The answer we're looking for is "a visit to the child's pediatrician". If not available, you could go to a retail clinic like you can find inside some pharmacy stores or schedule a virtual visit through secure video, or mobile app, or by phone if offered by your health plan.
MOLLY: Well, how do you figure? Ear infections really hurt.
SPEAKER 1: They do, Molly. But when your primary care doctor isn't available, ear infections can be treated at a retail clinic or through a virtual visit with a shorter wait and less of a bite out of your wallet than a trip to the emergency room.
Ouch! That looked like it hurt. Larry broke his leg. What level of care does he need?
[BELL]
Molly?
MOLLY: Well, the answer is obviously his primary care doctor.
SPEAKER 1: Incorrect. James-- chance to steal.
JAMES: Larry needs to go straight to the emergency room. You need to get it taken care of so you don't end up with even worse damage to your leg.
SPEAKER 1: That was the right call to make James. The questions are getting harder, so contestants get ready.
[APPLAUSE]
SmartER Care Round 2
SPEAKER 1: This is Christy, and her head hurts after a long day at work. Her coworker has strep throat, and Christy's worried she might have it too. What level of care does she need? Molly?
MOLLY: She should go to the emergency room, right?
SPEAKER 1: Wrong. Jen?
JEN: Actually, a simple headache isn't life threatening. If her own doctor's office is closed, she could call the 24/7 nurse line and ask about her options or visit a retail clinic if one is open. If her plan offers virtual visits, that's another option available 24/7.
SPEAKER 1: That's correct, Jen. This is the last question before the final round. It's a holiday, and little Charlie is struggling to breathe. He also has a history of severe asthma, and his usual treatments aren't working. What level of care does Charlie need? Molly?
MOLLY: His pediatrician should be able to fix that right up.
SPEAKER 1: Struggling to breathe sounds like it can't wait, Molly. Jen?
JEN: That's right. Struggling to breathe for someone with asthma can be life threatening, especially if treatment isn't working. I'd take Charlie to the emergency room.
SPEAKER 1: That is correct! Congratulations, Jen. You've made it to the final round. Molly and James-- thank you for playing. Stay tuned for the final round after this.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
SmartER Care Round 3
CHET: It's time for our final round. Now Jen, this question is designed to trick you, so be ready.
Tommy punctured his foot on a plastic toy. Dad got the bleeding to stop, but the cut is deep and needs to be cleaned. What level of care do you need?
JEN: After careful consideration Chet, I would need to visit an in-network urgent-care center if my primary-care doctor isn't around. Plus, the wait time is shorter and the copayment is less than for the emergency room.
CHET: That's correct Jen. You're tonight's big winner!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Congratulations.
Remember, when your injury or illness is serious or life threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Are you still confused where to go? Smart health-care choices can save you time and money.
Goodnight everybody, and don't forget to tune in next week to SmartER Care-- A Game Show Challenge.