Getting the care you need should not feel confusing or stressful. Many people are not sure where to start when they have a health concern, need an appointment, or want to find reliable health information.
Learning how to access healthcare resources can help you get care faster, stay healthier, and feel more confident about your health decisions.
Did you know? Many visits to emergency departments in the United States are for health concerns that can often be treated in primary care or outpatient settings.
Understanding where to seek care can help you get treatment sooner and avoid unnecessary costs.
Your Marathon Health provider can be a helpful starting point
If you’re not sure where to begin, your Marathon Health provider can often help guide you.
They may help with:
- Routine checkups and preventive care
- Managing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Evaluating new symptoms
- Care for many common illnesses or minor injuries
- Helping you understand when additional care or services may be needed
If you already have a primary care provider outside the health center, your Marathon Health care team can still support you. They can help answer questions, provide care for certain concerns, and help you navigate other healthcare resources when appropriate.
The goal is to help you feel informed and supported when making decisions about your care.
Understanding your healthcare options
Different health concerns may require different types of care. Knowing where to go can help you get treatment sooner and avoid unnecessary costs or long wait times.
Marathon Health
Marathon Health centers can often help with many everyday health concerns and preventive care needs. Many locations offer same-day or next-day appointments for immediate care needs.
Depending on your health plan, visits may be available at little to no cost, and wait times may be shorter than other care settings.
If additional care or testing is needed, your provider can help guide you to the appropriate next step.
Urgent care
Urgent care centers treat health concerns that need attention soon but are not life-threatening.
They are often used when your primary care provider or health center is not available. Visits typically cost more than health center visits and wait times may vary depending on demand.
Emergency room (ER)
Emergency departments are designed to treat serious or life-threatening medical conditions such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe injuries, or difficulty breathing.
Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day and are equipped to treat critical conditions quickly. Because they are designed for serious emergencies, visits are typically more expensive than other care settings and wait times may vary.
Understanding these options can help you choose the most appropriate place for care based on your symptoms and needs.
Reliable health information matters
Health information is easy to find online, but not every source is accurate or trustworthy.
Reliable health information can help you better understand symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek care.
Trusted sources often include:
- Government health agencies
- Major medical centers
- National health organizations
If you have questions about something you read online, a healthcare provider can help you understand what information applies to your health.
Additional support beyond medical care
Health is influenced by more than doctor visits. Things like food, housing, transportation, and financial stability can also affect well-being.
Your Marathon Health care team may also help connect you with community resources that support your health, such as:
- Food assistance
- Housing support
- Transportation services
- Financial or legal resources
- Education or work programs
If you need help accessing these services, your care team can help guide you to available resources.
Getting the care and support you need
Accessing healthcare resources does not have to be complicated. Knowing where to start, understanding your care options, and asking questions when something is unclear can help you take a more active role in your health.
If you have questions about your health or where to seek care, your Marathon Health care team can help guide you to the right next step.
Sources
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2023). Health literacy universal precautions toolkit. https://www.ahrq.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Health literacy and clear communication. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Emergency department visits in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Urgent care vs. emergency room: When to use each. https://www.mayoclinic.org
National Institutes of Health. (2023). Finding and evaluating online health information. https://www.nih.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Health literacy resources. https://health.gov