As much as we hope that you will enjoy a healthy, happy stay in the USA, the reality is that you may experience sickness or injury. If that should happen to you, please see the facilities below, along with their descriptions, so that you can find care to fit your needs. 

In most areas of the USA you may dial 911 if you have a major emergency.  In addition, there are some other emergency response agencies who operate in your area. You can look up your local non-emergency police number online. When visiting any medical facility, be sure to call ahead to make sure they are open and accepting patients. Emergency rooms in hospitals will operate 24/7.

Your insurance company can help guide you in choosing the best place for care. They can also help you make sure the place you want to go accepts your insurance. Please contact them for more information!

VISIT Insurance (accident/illness)
​epi@visitinsurance.com
​(703) 660-9062
​Crescent Health Solutions (preventative care/wellness)
​epi@crescenths.com
​(828) 670-9145 option 3

To search for care centers that accept your insurance, follow these steps:

Telemedicine refers to the practice of caring for patients remotely when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other. Modern technology has enabled doctors to consult patients by using HIPAA compliant video-conferencing tools.
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An urgent care facility is a good place to go when you are experiencing sickness or injury outside of your doctor’s normal business hours. They generally provide most services you would find at an emergency room, without the cost or wait of a hospital visit. Please note these facilities may charge more than a general physician’s office because of their extended hours. Please check your insurance policy for details of coverage costs.
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A Minute Clinic is a walk-in care facility, staffed by nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants. They are able to take care of common illnesses, prescribe medicines, administer certain vaccines, etc.  They are usually located inside a pharmacy.
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In the US, what we call a “pharmacy” you may know as a “chemist.” By any name, this is the store that dispenses medicines. Some of these medicines will require a prescription, and some will be available without a prescription (known as “over-the-counter” medicines). In addition, US pharmacies will carry other goods, like food, magazines, makeup, and first-aid materials, etc.
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In the United States, emergency room visits are very expensive and will often require you to wait for many hours to be seen.  You should not visit the emergency room unless you have a true and urgent emergency that cannot be taken care of in an urgent care or other medical service.
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These resources may include group counseling services, independent consultations, or self-care guidance. To find out more information about behavioral and mental health resources provided in your area, please use this link or reach out to your Teacher Support Specialist.