FAIR Health Consumer Access

Caring for Spring Injuries

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather and more time outdoors. It also brings a rise in seasonal injuries. We tend to be more sedentary during the winter. Then, when the warm weather comes, we sometimes rush into outdoor activities. Without preparing, sudden activity can lead to injuries. These injuries can include sprained ankles while doing more walking. They can also include muscle strains and even fractures from overexertion. While no one plans for an injury, knowing where to go for care—and how to use your health insurance wisely—can help you feel better faster. It can also help you save money.

Here are practical tips to make the most of your coverage this spring.

Know Where to Go for Care Before You Need It
When an injury happens, stress can make it hard to think clearly about your options. Taking a few minutes now to understand your choices can save time and money later.

Primary Care Provider (PCP). Your PCP is often your first stop for minor ailments or ongoing issues. They know your health history and can sometimes fit you in quickly for nonurgent concerns. That could include mild strains, joint pain or lingering discomfort from spring activities.

Your PCP also can help with common illnesses and preventive care, chronic conditions and referrals to specialists when needed. And you can ask questions about healing and follow-up after an injury.

Urgent Care. Urgent care centers can handle many springtime mishaps. And they often provide services for a lower copay than the emergency room (ER). They also have extended hours. That helps when trouble strikes after work or on weekends. Urgent care can help with sprains, strains and minor cuts that need stitches. You can get vaccines there too, for example, a tetanus shot after a puncture wound. Urgent care centers can also often perform X-rays for suspected minor fractures. It’s a good idea to know where your closest in-network urgent care center is. And find out what its hours are.

ER. The ER is designed for life-threatening or severe injuries. ER visits usually cost more, so reserve them for situations that truly require emergency care. The ER is good for broken bones that pierce the skin, head injuries and severe allergic reactions. It’s also a good choice for chest pain, difficulty breathing or major trauma.

Find out more about costs and types of care in our article Emergency Care and Urgent Care.

Use Your Plan’s Telehealth Benefits for Quick Questions
Many health plans include telehealth options that connect you to a clinician by video or phone. This can be especially helpful when you’re unsure how serious an injury is or whether you should go in person.

You can use telehealth to:

• Ask if an injury needs an in-person visit;
• Get guidance on at-home care; and
• Check whether a symptom is normal or concerning.

Telehealth can save time and may cost less than an in-office visit. But check your plan to find out your portion of the costs.

Nurse Advice Lines. Many plans include a 24-hour nurse helpline. Nurses can talk you through symptoms and help you decide where to go for care. It’s a simple way to get reassurance. Or you can get some quick direction after an unexpected injury. Check your plan to see if it offers a nurse helpline.

Use Preventive Benefits to Avoid Injuries
Many health plans offer preventive benefits that can support a safer, more active spring. These include annual wellness visits, wellness programs and fitness discounts. See our article on Preventive Care and Wellness Services to find out more. Also ask your health plan if they cover preventive physical therapy and strength training. These can help protect against falls and improve health.

Check Your Plan Before Scheduling Imaging or Specialist Visits
If an injury requires imaging (like an MRI) or a visit to an orthopedic specialist, check your plan first. Find out if you need a referral. Ask if you need prior authorization for certain tests. And make sure the imaging center or specialist’s office is in network. A few minutes of planning can prevent delays and reduce costs.