Understanding the difference between urgent, emergency care Published April 20, 2010 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- (The following article is courtesy of the "TRICARE Health Matters" newsletter, 2/2010) While many TRICARE beneficiaries pay no out-of pocket costs for emergency room services, the average cost for an emergency room visit is 10 times more than an urgent care visit. In many cases, using the emergency room is not necessary and a patient's condition can be treated through urgent care. TRICARE defines urgent care as medically necessary treatment for an illness or injury that would not result in further disability or death if not treated immediately but that requires professional attention within 24 hours. Examples of urgent care situations include: · Minor cuts · Migraine headache · Urinary tract infection · Sprain · Earache · Rising fever In most cases, you can receive urgent care from your primary care manager by making a same-day appointment. However, if your PCM is unable to provide this care in a timely manner, you may be referred to Urgent Care Plus, located at 1805 W. Owen K. Garriott in Enid, or Minor Emergency Clinic, located at 402-B S. Oakwood in Enid. It is important that you obtain a referral from your PCM before you receive urgent care. If you do not coordinate urgent care with your PCM, the care will be covered under the point-of-service option at greater out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are away from home and cannot wait until you see your PCM for treatment, you must contact your PCM for a referral before receiving services. TRICARE defines an emergency as a medical, maternity or psychiatric condition that would lead a prudent layperson -- someone with average knowledge of health and medicine -- to believe that a serious medical condition exists and the absence of immediate medical attention would result in a threat to life, limb or sight. It also includes when a person has severe, painful symptoms requiring immediate attention to relieve suffering; or when a person is at immediate risk to self or others. Examples of emergencies include: · No pulse · Severe bleeding · Spinal cord or back injury · Chest pain · Severe eye injury · Broken bone · Inability to breathe You do not need to call your PCM before receiving emergency medical care. However, in all emergency situations, you must notify your PCM within 24 hours of or on the business day following admission to coordinate ongoing care and to ensure you receive proper authorization. There are two emergency rooms in Enid -- Integris Bass Baptist Health Center at 600 S. Monroe, and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center at 305 S. 5th Street. For more information, call the Vance Clinic TRICARE office, 213-6343.