Learn About Your Health Resources And Where To Go For Accessible, Affordable Care | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Primary Care Doctor

For sick or preventive care, this is your go-to place for managing your healthcare.

Severity

Moderate

Expected Wait Time

Moderate

Average Cost

Low

Typical hours call your primary care doctor’s offices*

* Note: Many primary care offices now offer extended hours on certain days of the week.

When to Make an Appointment

  • When you have an illness, injury, pain or health issue
  • When you need a prescription refill
  • For care associated with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma
  • For annual checkups, routine screenings, vaccines or flu shots

When to Use

  • Preventive Screenings and Check Ups
  • Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Headaches
  • Back Pain
  • Sinus Pain
  • Mild Asthma
  • Rash
  • Minor Burns
  • X-rays
  • Minor Fever or Cold
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Ear Pain
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Bumps, Cuts & Scrapes
  • Minor Allergic Reactions
  • Eye Pain or Irritation
  • Stitches

Average cost assumes in-network services.

Learn About Your Care Options

Use the care guide below to learn more about your options when it comes to getting care.

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Where to go for care

virtual care

For sick care or therapy needs from home, work, or wherever you are.

Severity

Low

Expected Wait Time

Low

Average Cost

Moderate

Typical hours 24/7: SICK CARE (or therapy needs by appointment)

When to Have a Virtual Visit

  • When you have a minor issue like an upper respiratory infection, flu or pinkeye
  • When you want a convenient consult at home, work or on the go
  • When you need care on nights, weekends or when your primary care doctor has no appointment availability
  • When you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or another behavioral healthcare issue
  • When you're travelling

When to Use

  • Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Headaches
  • Back Pain
  • Sinus Pain
  • Mild Asthma
  • Mild Allergic Reactions
  • Diarrhea
  • Pink Eye and Eye Infections
  • Rash
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief Support

Average cost assumes in-network services.

Learn About Your Care Options

Use the care guide below to learn more about your options when it comes to getting care.

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Where to go for care

Retail Health Clinic

For minor, non-emergent health issues.

Severity

Low

Expected Wait Time

Low

Average Cost

Moderate

Typical hours 7 days (morning-early evening)

When to Visit a Retail Health Clinic

  • When you need treatment for a minor, uncomplicated illness or injury
  • When you can't wait for an appointment with your primary care doctor
  • When you need a flu shot

When to Use

  • Fevers
  • Colds
  • Rashes
  • Bumps
  • Scrapes
  • Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Headaches
  • Sinus Pain
  • Flu Shots

Average cost assumes in-network services.

Learn About Your Care Options

Use the care guide below to learn more about your options when it comes to getting care.

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Where to go for care

Urgent Care

For pressing, but not life-threatening conditions.

Severity

Moderate

Expected Wait Time

Moderate

Average Cost

Moderate

Typical hours 7 days (morning - early evening)

When to Visit Urgent Care

  • When you can't wait for your doctor to treat you
  • When you have a sudden injury and need a walk-in appointment
  • When you need after-hours care or on weekends
  • When you need an X-ray

When to Use

  • Stitches
  • Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Headaches
  • Sinus Pain
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Pink Eye and Eye lnfections
  • Animal Bites
  • Minor Burns
  • X-rays
  • Eye Pain and Irritation

Average cost assumes in-network services.

Learn About Your Care Options

Use the care guide below to learn more about your options when it comes to getting care.

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Where to go for care

Emergency Room/Community Hospital

Immediate care for severe and life-threatening emergencies.

Important: For less severe injuries or illnesses, the ER can be expensive and wait times can average over 4 hours. The ER is for true emergencies – not for treating things like upper respiratory infections, UTI’s, headaches, back pain, toothache and sinus infections.

* Note: Smaller community/neighborhood hospitals are becoming more common, and they may advertise both "emergency" and "urgent" care. However, please note, emergency room rates are generally charged for any type of visit at these facilities.

Severity

High

Expected Wait Time

High

Average Cost

High

Typical hours 24/7/365

When to Go

  • All life-threatening emergencies
  • When you’re experiencing chest pain
  • When you’ve experienced a head trauma
  • When you’re having difficulty breathing
  • For sudden numbness, weakness or speech difficulty
  • For severe belly pain
  • For uncontrolled bleeding
  • If you’re having a mental crisis

Average cost assumes in-network services.

Learn About Your Care Options

Use the care guide below to learn more about your options when it comes to getting care.

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Where to go for care

Need Help On Where to Go For Care?

Call Blue KC Customer Service at the number on your member ID card for assistance.