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Treating an upper respiratory infection (the common cold) at the ER averages $515 - more than 7 times the average cost of an urgent care or doctor’s visit.*

There are many times when visiting the ER is a must – chest pains, shortness of breath, sudden changes in vision, broken limbs, etc. 

But many times, people go to the ER when they probably don’t need to. And when that happens, patients pay more out of their own pocket and everyone’s insurance rates go up. 

Learn when to go to an urgent care clinic or your doctor’s office instead of the ER. We’ll all benefit from that deal.

Wellmark Tip: Not sure if it's an emergency? Call 1-800-724-9122 to speak to a nurse or for help finding the nearest urgent care center.

And for those of you who like data, below are typical costs of going to the ER.

Please note: The numbers below are averages only. Depending on your specific benefits, your cost for an ER or Urgent Care visit could be higher.

Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat

Digestive

Urinary

Skin

Injuries/Poisonings

Pain

Cost information is based on 2008 data for Wellmark members who received treatment in Iowa and South Dakota.

*This is the average of all Emergency Room and urgent care/office visits for Wellmark members based on what Wellmark pays providers and members’ cost share.