Avoid Unnecessary ER Visits

Knowing where to go for medical care can save you time, money, and stress. Many non-emergency health concerns can be treated outside the emergency room, helping you receive appropriate care without long wait times or high costs.

Missouri State University employees and eligible dependents have access to several healthcare resources to help determine the best option for their needs.

When to Seek Non-Emergency Care

Not every medical situation requires a trip to the Emergency Room. For minor illnesses and injuries, consider these alternatives first:

📞 Nurse On Call

For MO State-insured employees and eligible dependents without a Mercy Primary Care Provider

When you have after-hours medical questions and aren’t sure where to seek treatment, Nurse On Call is available to assist by:

• Listening to your health concerns
• Assessing your symptoms
• Providing treatment guidance
• Helping determine the best option for care

Contact Nurse On Call

417-841-5566

💻 Mercy On Call & Mercy Virtual Care

For patients established with a Mercy Primary Care Provider

If you are established with a Mercy Primary Care Provider, call your provider’s office number after hours for Mercy On Call assistance.

Mercy Virtual Care also provides convenient access to healthcare guidance and treatment options remotely, helping patients receive care from home when appropriate.

Virtual care may be useful for:

• Minor illnesses
• Follow-up care
• After-hours concerns
• Questions about symptoms or treatment options

Learn More

• Mercy On Call / Virtual Care: https://www.mercy.net/service/virtual-care/mercy-on-call/
• Mercy Virtual Care Information: https://www.mercy.net/about/virtual-care-program/

🏥 Magers Health and Wellness Center

On-campus care for MO State employees and eligible dependents

Magers Health and Wellness Center offers a variety of healthcare services including:

• Routine medical care
• Urgent care services
• Lab testing
• Preventive care

Check the Magers website for current services and hours of operation.

🚑 Mercy Urgent Care

For non-emergency situations requiring prompt attention

Urgent care is a great option when you need immediate care but are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

Common conditions treated include:

• Minor cuts
• Sprains and strains
• Flu symptoms
• Ear infections
• Minor illnesses and injuries

Search online for the nearest Mercy Urgent Care location.

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

The ER should be used for serious or life-threatening emergencies such as:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Signs of stroke
  (sudden confusion, weakness, trouble speaking)
• Severe head injuries
• Major fractures
• Serious burns

ER Visit Copays

• Buy-Up Plan: $250 copay
• Base Plan: $500 copay

Work-Related Injuries

If your injury or illness is work-related:

Report the injury immediately to:

• CARO: 1-800-624-2354
• Worker’s Compensation Coordinator:
  Denise Lofton — 417-836-5892

Prompt reporting helps ensure appropriate medical treatment and workers’ compensation coordination.

Additional Benefits for MO State Employees

Accident Insurance Reimbursement

Employees enrolled in the Accident Insurance Plan can receive reimbursement for one non-accident-related physician visit per year, which may include:

• Primary care visits
• Urgent care visits

Accident-Related Emergency Department Benefits

For injuries resulting from an accident, MO State’s Group Voluntary Accident Insurance through Allstate provides additional financial protection.

Covered benefits may include:

• Initial Hospitalization Confinement:
  $1,000–$1,500 (depending on plan level)
• Hospital Confinement:
  $200–$300 per day
• Intensive Care Confinement:
  $400–$600 per day
• Ambulance Services:
  $200–$300 for ground transport
  $600–$900 for air transport
• Medical Expenses:
  Up to $500–$750 per accident
• Emergency Room Treatment for Accidents:
  Covered under the accident insurance policy

For complete coverage details, review your Allstate Accident Insurance materials.

Make the Right Care Choice

Choosing the appropriate level of care helps ensure you receive timely treatment while avoiding unnecessary costs and delays.

Before heading to the ER for a non-life-threatening issue, consider whether Nurse On Call, Mercy Virtual Care, Magers, or Urgent Care may better meet your needs.