A new coverage program allows Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield subscribers in New Hampshire to use walk-in and urgent care centers across the state when their physician is not available.
Studies have found that the average wait time in a hospital room (ER) is three hours and that more than half of all cases could have been handled in the walk-in or urgent care center setting.
"Unfortunately, if you go to the emergency department with a more minor issue - such as a sprained ankle or sore throat, you may be faced with a longer wait time while the staff is treating sicker patients," said Robert Noonan, Vice President, Provider Engagement & Contracting, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire.
Due to the staffing and equipment requirements, care in the emergency department setting is also very expensive, often with higher out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. Depending on one's coverage, a standard benefit ER co-pay could be $100 or even higher, Noonan said.
"The co-pay at one of these Centers, for the same non-emergent treatment, could be as low as $20 if at a walk-in-center or $50 if at an urgent-care center," he said.
Walk-In and Urgent Care Centers provide a broad range of diagnostic and treatment options and are fully staffed by licensed physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Many are open 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and many offer weekend hours; Anthem members do not need an appointment or a referral from their primary care provider. Benefits and co-pays may vary based on specific plans and by facility.
Participating Facilities across the state include:
Urgent care centers:
- Horseshoe Pond (Concord Hospital)
- Elliot Urgent Care in Londonderry
Walk in centers:
- Barrington Walk in Center, Barrington
- American Current Care, dba Concentra, Barrington
- American Current Care, dba Concentra, Londonderry
- Conway Walk In, Conway
- Healthstop, Nashua
- MWV Healthcare, North Conway
- Speare Memorial Walk In, North Conway
- Seacoast Redicare, Somersworth
- Crane Clinic, Watervill Valley
"This benefit is part of our ongoing mission to provide our members with quality, cost-effective care in the most appropriate setting," said Douglas J. Wenners, president and general manager, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire. "We strongly feel that this new program helps support that mission and are excited to partner with local providers in this initiative."