Whenever possible, you should try to see your Primary Care Physician for your non-emergency health needs. However, when you need immediate care and can’t get in to your Primary Care physician, Intermountain Healthcare offers three convenient options, depending on your condition:

Connect Care

Connect Care is designed for common, low-level, urgent care concerns and can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere using a mobile device or computer with a camera and video-streaming capabilities. Frequently treated conditions include sinus pain, stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, eye infections, urinary tract infection, lower back pain, and bronchitis. If a Connect Care provider feels that your medical issue cannot be adequately diagnosed or treated by a video visit and requires immediate in-person evaluation, the provider will direct you to in-person care and waive your Connect Care fee.
  • Cost: $49
  • Covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid – check with your insurer to determine coverage and copay
  • Is not covered by Medicare
  • Best for: common, non-life-threatening conditions
  • Adult and pediatric care.
  • Care provided by board-certified advanced practice clinicians (nurse practioners and physicians assistants)
  • Can prescribe most types of medications if needed, but does not prescribe controlled substance medications.
  • Does not provide lab services, imaging, or other tests
  • 24/7 access from anywhere on a mobile device or computer

InstaCare or KidsCare

Intermountain InstaCares provide care through licensed physicians and specialized staff to handle non-life-threatening urgent care needs, from sore throats and illnesses to cuts or broken bones. KidsCares specialize in urgent care for pediatric patients.
  • Cost: Varies
  • Covered by many insurance plans – check with your insurer to determine coverage and copay
  • Covered by Medicare and Medicaid
  • Best for: common, non-life-threatening conditions
  • Care provided by board-certified physicians and specialized staff
  • Can prescribe medication
  • Offer lab services, X-rays, and some outpatient tests
  • Access at physical location. Most InstaCares are open as early as 8 a.m. and close at 8 or 9 p.m., though some have extended hours as late as midnight. KidsCares are generally open from 4 or 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with variable weekend hours. 

Emergency Room

Intermountain emergency rooms are open 24/7 and are staffed with doctors, nurses, and technicians who are specially trained to handle potentially severe and/or life-threatening conditions.
  • Cost: Varies
  • Covered by all insurance plans in emergency situations 
  • Covered by Medicare and Medicaid
  • Best for: potential limb, functional or life-threatening conditions
  • Care provided by board-certified emergency physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff
  • Can prescribe medication
  • Offers lab services, X-rays, specialized care, and tests (both inpatient and outpatient)
  • 24/7 access at a physical location
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, you should visit the ER if you have any of these warning signs:
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Severe headache or head injury
  • Severe bleeding
  • Sudden or severe pain
  • Coughing blood or vomiting blood
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness, or changes in vision
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Changes in mental status, such as confusion or weakness
  • Evaluation of an assault, physical or sexual abuse, or child abuse.
  • Severe infection
  • Complications of early pregnancy
  • Abdominal pain that is severe or with repeated and persistent vomiting
If you are unsure of whether you are having a life-threatening medical emergency, go to the Emergency Room.