Take Advantage of Telehealth
You may be able to save time and money if you take advantage of virtual visits with a doctor by phone or video chat for common complaints such as sinus problems, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergies, flu and coughs. You can even e-mail a photo of a rash to a doctor for a diagnosis. Access to telehealth is growing quickly: 96% of large employers plan to offer the option in 2018, according to the National Business Group on Health. Visits typically cost about $40, and the typical co-pay is $15 or less (compared with average co-pays of about $50 for urgent care and $150 for an emergency-room visit).