Preventable ER visits drive up costs for everyone: Here’s what you can do

September 12, 2025

At Florida Blue, our mission is simple: Help people and communities achieve better health. We realize this mission by helping members get the care they need, when and where they need it ― without overpaying. One of the biggest ways we do that is by reducing preventable ER visits by helping members understand when and where to go for care.

The impact of unnecessary ER use is more widespread than many people realize.

By the numbers:

• Between 41 – 66% of ER visits are considered preventable.¹
• An ER visit can cost you two to three times more than a visit to your primary doctor.²

Why it matters: When people go to the ER unnecessarily, it costs them more money and drives up costs for everyone. It also shifts critical resources away from those who truly need them.

Know where to go for care

1. Start with your primary care doctor. If it's not an emergency, your primary care doctor should be your first choice when you need care. They know your medical history and can provide the most personalized care. If you don’t have one, consider choosing an in-network primary care doctor to help you get and stay healthy — especially if you are managing a chronic condition.
2. Try virtual care. Virtual visits can provide convenient and rapid care for colds, UTIs, flu, and more. If your health care provider doesn’t offer virtual care, check with your insurance provider for options.
3. Visit urgent care and retail clinics. If your primary care doctor isn’t available for a same-day appointment, find an in-network urgent care or retail care clinic (e.g., CVS or Walgreens). Urgent care clinics are faster and often provide care at a lower cost than the ER. Before visiting a retail clinic, call ahead to confirm that they treat your health issue.

Hidden risk of unnecessary ER visits

Beyond cost, preventable ER visits can disrupt your long-term care plan. Your primary care doctor may not be notified about your ER visit, which means they may not have access to your ER visit records, test results, or treatment plans. This can make it harder for them to provide you with comprehensive care. This disconnect can lead to delays, repeated testing, and gaps in care that can hurt outcomes and increase costs.

By seeking care from your primary care provider, you can help ensure that your care team is informed about your health status and can provide you with the best possible care.

The bottom line

Knowing your care options helps you get better care, faster ― and saves you money. By avoiding unnecessary ER visits, you help keep emergency rooms open for real emergencies and contribute to a healthier, more affordable system for everybody.

Learn more in this BlueAnswers article about options for getting care.

¹ National Library of Medicine: Medicaid Managed Care in Florida and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Preventable Emergency Department Visits

² MedlinePlus: When to use the emergency room

³ US News: ‘Avoidable’ ER Visits Fuel Health Care Costs