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When should I use urgent care versus the emergency room with TRICARE?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini, gpt-4o)
Quick Answer
Use urgent care for minor injuries, infections, and sprains ($20-30). Use ER for life-threatening emergencies ($40-90+). Know the difference to save money.
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Key Takeaways
- Urgent care for minor issues
- ER for life-threatening only
- Significant cost difference
- No referral needed
Detailed Answer
Urgent care vs emergency room:
Use Urgent Care For
- Minor cuts and burns
- Sprains and strains
- Ear infections
- Flu symptoms
- Minor allergic reactions
- UTIs
- Pink eye
Use ER For
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Head injuries
- Stroke symptoms
- Broken bones
- High fever in infants
- Allergic reactions with swelling
Cost Comparison
- Urgent care: $20-30 copay
- ER: $40-90+ depending on plan
- MTF best option if available
TRICARE Prime
- Urgent care: $30 copay
- ER: $40 copay
- No referral for either
TRICARE Select
- Urgent care: $50
- ER: $90 + 20%
- ER more expensive
Helpful Tips
- Save ER for true emergencies
- Find closest urgent care
- Call nurse advice line if unsure
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