When medical care is needed, choosing the right option can help save time and money. Here are four health care options, listed from most to least cost-effective.

Doctor’s Office

Routine care or treatment for a current health issue.

• Routine checkups
• Immunizations
• Preventive services
• Manage medications

Express Care Clinics

For conditions that are neither urgent nor an emergency when a primary care physician is unavailable.

• Sore throat, cold and flu
• Pink eye
• Urinary tract infections
• Ear infections
• Rash
• Insect bites
• Minor burns, cuts and scrapes
• Minor muscle strains
• Injuries requiring X-ray imaging

Urgent Care

Fast care for non-emergency medical issues.

• Migraine
• Severe back pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Minor broken bones
• Asthma attacks
• Severe cough
• Animal bites
• Wounds requiring stitches

Emergency Department

For a true medical emergency that could result in the loss of a limb, permanent disability or death.

• Head trauma or loss of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Numbness or difficulty speaking
• Severe abdominal pain
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Severe bleeding and burns