Types of Care: Definitions

Same-day, Call-ahead Appointments

All participating clinics provide same-day, call-ahead appointments for IU plan members who are sick or need care. Plan members can call a clinic of their choice to be scheduled in an open appointment spot (clinics may refer to the visit as “acute care” for the treatment of a routine illness or injury).

• Open appointment spots are filled on a first-call, first-serve basis.
• Plan members will see the first available provider, but can request their primary care provider if available.
• Choose the same clinic on a regular basis for the best healthcare experience.
• Same-day, call-ahead appointments are covered by the health plan with standard co-pays and deductibles.

 

Walk-in Care

Walk-in clinics provide care without an appointment for routine illnesses or injury. These clinics offer some extended hours into the evening and weekend, and often provide lab and X-ray services.

• Walk-in appointments may have a longer wait time.
• Plan members will see the first available provider.
• Walk-in care is covered by the health plan with standard co-pays and deductibles, typically at the same rate as a standard office visit.

 

Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics treat patients who have a more complex injury or illness that requires immediate care but is not serious enough to warrant a visit to an emergency department. These clinics offer extended hours into the evening and weekend and often provide lab and X-ray services.

• Urgent care visits are covered by the health plan with standard co-pays and deductibles. Urgent care visits are typically higher cost than same-day or walk-in care co-pays.

 

Emergency Room Care

Available 24-hours a day, emergency room care is intended for life and limb threatening injuries.  Never hesitate to use emergency care, or dial 911, when facing a health emergency.

• Emergency care visits are covered by the health plan with standard co-pays and deductibles. Emergency care visits are typically the most expensive.

 

New Patient Appointments

Also called an “establishing” appointment, these are longer sessions with the provider of the plan member’s choice. The goal is to get a basic assessment of current health needs and medical history, transfer any needed records and begin to establish an ongoing relationship. 

• Advance scheduling is needed for these appointments as they do require more time with a provider.
• Members who do not have a primary care provider can establish care with a provider accepting new patients at any of the practices.
• Appointments to establish a provider are covered by the health plan with standard co-pays and deductibles.