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Save time, money and avoid the ER visit – call the Health Advice Line first

GEHA | January 8, 2021

Getting the right information ahead of time can save you both time and money.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of emergency room visits in the United States has jumped by nearly 25% in the past 10 years and a whopping 61.2% over the last 20 years. Two-thirds of emergency room visits occurred after business hours, when doctor’s offices are closed.

Yet going to the emergency room in non-emergency circumstances is often the most expensive way to receive health treatment. Getting the right information ahead of time can save you both time and money. GEHA medical members have 24/7 access to a registered nurse by calling the Health Advice Line. Simply call 888.257.4342 to talk with a nurse at any time. Please have your member ID number available when you call.

Health Advice Line nurses can help evaluate symptoms and determine an appropriate method of treatment, which may include home-based remedies, referral to an urgent care facility or walk-in clinic, or accessing our telemedicine service to speak with a physician.

If you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Sources:
“The big number: 145.6 million patients a year go to hospital ERs.” washingtonpost.com, The Washington Post, 15 April, 2019.
“The latest emergency department utilization numbers are in.” acepnow.com, American College of Emergency Physicians, 20 October, 2019.