As the fall semester gets underway, schedules get busy, students return to campus, and the usual assortment of illnesses and injuries can follow. It is a good time to refresh your knowledge of the healthcare resources available to Missouri State University employees and eligible dependents.

Knowing where to go for care can help you receive the right treatment at the right time while potentially avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits, long wait times, and higher out-of-pocket costs.

Start by Choosing the Right Level of Care

Not every illness or injury requires a trip to the emergency room. When you need medical attention, consider the severity of your symptoms and whether another care option may be more appropriate.

Nurse On Call

For MO State-insured employees and eligible dependents who do not have a Mercy Primary Care Provider

If you are unsure where to seek care, especially after regular business hours, Nurse On Call can help you determine the appropriate next step.

Nurse On Call can:

• Listen to your health concerns.
• Assess your symptoms.
• Provide treatment guidance.
• Help determine the best option for care.

Nurse On Call: 417-841-5566

Mercy Virtual Care

For patients established with a Mercy Primary Care Provider

If you have a Mercy Primary Care Provider, you can call your provider’s office after hours for Mercy On Call assistance.

Mercy Virtual Care may also be a convenient option when an in-person visit is not necessary. Virtual care can be useful for minor illnesses, follow-up care, after-hours concerns, and questions about symptoms or treatment options.

Learn more about Mercy Virtual Care and Mercy On Call

Magers Health and Wellness Center

Don’t forget about the healthcare resource right here on campus.

Magers Health and Wellness Center provides care for MO State employees and eligible dependents, including routine medical care, x-ray, lab testing, pharmacy, and preventive care.

Mercy Urgent Care

When you need prompt medical attention but are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, urgent care may be the appropriate choice.

Urgent care can treat many common conditions, including:

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

Find a Mercy Urgent Care location

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

The emergency room is appropriate for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions, including:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Signs of a stroke, such as sudden confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking
• Severe head injuries
• Major fractures
• Serious burns

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency care.

Remember that the ER is designed for emergencies. For non-life-threatening conditions, one of the other options above may provide more appropriate and timely care.

Know Your ER Copay

Under the current medical plan:

• Buy-Up Plan: $250 In-network ER copay, plus applicable deductible and co-insurance
• Base Plan: $500 In-network ER copay, plus applicable deductible and co-insurance

Is Your Injury Work-Related?

If you are injured or become ill as a result of your work, don’t simply seek care through your regular health insurance.

Work-related injuries and illnesses should be reported immediately so that appropriate workers’ compensation procedures and medical authorization can be coordinated.

CARO: 1-800-624-2354
Workers’ Compensation Coordinator: Denise Lofton, 417-836-5892

Learn more about Workers’ Compensation

Don’t Forget Your Accident Insurance

If you are enrolled in Missouri State’s voluntary accident insurance through Allstate, you may also have additional financial protection when an injury occurs.

Depending on your plan level, benefits may include payments for hospitalization, hospital confinement, intensive care, ambulance services, medical expenses, and emergency room treatment resulting from an accident.

Be sure to review your individual accident insurance materials for complete coverage details.

A Quick Reminder for the Fall Semester

Before heading to the ER for a non-life-threatening illness or injury, take a moment to consider whether Nurse On Call, Mercy Virtual Care, Magers, or urgent care may be a better fit.

Choosing the appropriate level of care can help you get the treatment you need while avoiding unnecessary costs and delays.

Save the phone numbers—you’ll be glad to have them when you need them.