COVID-19 and other factors have dramatically increased the demand for all health care services, and this means longer wait times in Emergency Departments for patients with less severe symptoms.
You may want to visit an Emergency Department (ED) if you aren’t feeling well. You should visit an ED if you are experiencing the symptoms of a serious, life-threatening condition. This includes symptoms such as difficulty speaking or breathing, severe chest or abdominal pain, or sudden inability to use your arms, hands, or legs.
Call your primary care provider first for less severe symptoms, even during early morning or late evening hours.
We will quickly put you in touch with a provider when you call. We may even refer you to a new program called In Home Urgent Care Plus, where a medical team will come right to your home.
This program, a benefit for UPMC Health Plan members, aims to simplify your ability to get the care you need, when you need it. Read on to learn more about this new program.
How Does In Home Urgent Care Plus Work?
If your primary care provider believes you don’t need to go to the ED, but you need to see a doctor before an office visit is possible, our In Home Urgent Care Plus team may be able to come to you.
This expert medical team will typically arrive at your home within a few hours, where they can immediately evaluate and provide a variety of tests and treatments for many conditions, including breathing issues and wound care.
The team brings a range of testing and treatment equipment and supplies such as:
- A cardiac monitor.
- IV fluids.
- Oxygen.
- X-ray.
They also bring the equipment needed for you to have a video visit with a UPMC doctor – complete with a Bluetooth stethoscope and other tools. This can help ensure you receive the best care and all your questions are answered.
The team can also provide lab services and leave behind prescriptions during your visit.
Who Qualifies for In Home Urgent Care Plus?
You may qualify for the program if:
- You need immediate care, but can wait longer than three hours to be seen, if needed.
You need to be evaluated by a physician before an office or urgent care visit is possible. - You are a UPMC Health Plan member living in Allegheny County.
- Your primary care provider recommends the In Home Urgent Care Plus team for your care needs.
Call Your Primary Care Team First
UPMC is committed to delivering prompt, comprehensive care to every patient. In the ED, those with the most serious conditions are given priority. When possible, we want to simplify your ability to get the care you need when you need it.
If you are not feeling well and it is not a significant medical emergency, call your primary care provider first, even after regular office hours. By calling, you will be able to quickly talk to a provider who can guide your care and even refer you to new services like In Home Urgent Care Plus.