Did you know men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year? If you’ve put off treatment for minor illnesses or injuries, finding your best medical care doesn’t have to be a challenge. From online visits to a primary care doctor, there are many convenient choices for care to help you manage your health. If you’re due for an annual physical or preventive screening, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor knows your medical history and can provide a more comprehensive care process, especially preventive screenings and health recommendations specific to your needs. If you don’t know when you’re due for preventative screenings, this guide can help. Need a primary care doctor? The Find a Doctor tool can help you find a provider that’s right for you. If you’re feeling under the weather but can’t leave work or home, Blue Cross Online VisitsSM is an easy solution. Talk with a U.S. board-certified doctor in less than 10 minutes when you sign up or log on to your online visits account through the mobile app using a smartphone, laptop or tablet. There is no appointment required and during your secure web-based video chat, the doctor can diagnose your symptoms and even prescribe you with certain medications. If you’re traveling but need treatment for something like mild allergy symptoms or a skin condition, a retail health clinic is a quick, convenient option. At a retail health clinic, you can speak to a physician assistant or nurse practitioner about your mild symptoms then, pick up your prescription and over-the-counter meds, all in one place. There are many locations across the country that offer extended evening and weekend hours. If your symptoms are a bit more complicated, but do not require emergency attention, an urgent care center can help. A swollen ankle or painful urination can really knock you off your game. Receive quality care and treatment, no appointment needed, at an urgent care center near you. U.S. board-certified doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners have access to labs and X-rays to get you back on your feet. If it’s the middle of the night and you wake up with a fever and sore throat, the 24-Hour Nurse Line is there to answer your questions. Anytime, day or night, a registered nurse is on call to answer your questions and help you make the next step toward proper treatment of your symptoms – all at no cost to you. Take control of your health by knowing where to go for care, when you need it. Learn more about primary care and your other choices when it’s not an emergency at bcbsm.com/findcare. If you found this post helpful, you might also be interested in:
- 5 Advantages of Using Blue Cross Online VisitsSM
- 5 Reasons to Schedule a Check-In with a Primary Care Doctor
- Your Step-By-Step Guide to Blue Cross Online VisitsSM
Photo credit: Romaset
