Whenever you use your health benefits, it’s important to think about the cost and the value of the services you need. These tips can help you to find the best service for the cost.

Choose UnitedHealth Premium Tier 1 Providers
Premium Tier 1 providers are doctors, hospitals and other health care facilities with a reputation for value in health care delivery. When you use Tier 1 providers, you will typically pay less for the same service. Doctors in 27 different specialties with UHC’s Tier 1 designation are recognized for meeting national standards for quality and local standards for cost efficiency. Look for the Tier 1 logo when you search for doctors on www.myuhc.com. You can also use UHC’s free DocGPS™ app (available for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry) to find Tier 1 physicians with maps and directions to offices near you.

Use Generic Drugs and the Mail Service Pharmacy
When possible, ask your doctor or pharmacist for generic drugs instead of brand name drugs to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients in the same strength, safety, quality and dosage as brand name drugs—at 30 to 80 percent less cost. And for the lowest out of pocket costs, consider using the Mail Service Pharmacy to have prescription medications you take regularly sent directly to your home.

Save the ER for Emergencies
When you want quick, non-emergency care and your regular doctor isn’t available, you may want to choose a network Urgent Care or Convenience Care Clinic. You won’t have to wait for hours in a crowded room and it costs less – up to three times less for the same services you would get in an emergency room. Consider Urgent Care for treatment if you are experiencing symptoms like:

• Cold/Flu/Fever/Cough/Sore Throat
• Earache
• Sprains/Strains/Simple Fractures
• Scrapes/Cuts/Minor burns
• Rashes without fever, like poison ivy/insect bites
• Nausea
• Urinary tract infection
• Back pain

Stay Informed To Save On Your Health Care Costs
Log on to www.myuhc.com to find Premium Tier 1 providers, locate the nearest in-network urgent care center, and learn more about your prescription coverage and the Mail Service Pharmacy.

For more personalized answers to your questions, contact Advocate4Me by calling 1-855-837-1612. Advocates are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time and nurses are available 24/7. To help ensure your privacy, do not include confidential information in your email. An Advocate will respond to your questions using a secure email system.