A word to the wise
It pays to know where to go for the healthcare you need.
When it comes to getting care, knowledge is power. Understanding your options before you go for care can help you make informed decisions and get convenient care at the right price.
Explore your options:
Options at a glance
Whenever possible, start with the least intensive care option that meets your needs. You may save time, avoid unnecessary costs and still get the care you need. Not sure where to go? Start with your primary care provider, the nurse advice line or a healthcare ambassador. They can help direct you to the care you need.
If you have this issue:
Cold, flu, rash, pink eye, UTI, minor illness, sprains, minor fractures, injuries requiring prompt care
Annual physical, preventive screenings, ongoing health needs
Chest pain, stroke symptoms, life-threatening injuries, trouble breathing
Health coaching, chronic condition support, wellness services, physical therapy
Not sure where to go
Employee Health & Wellbeing clinics
If you’re a Sandia employee, you have access to Employee Health & Wellbeing (EH&W) on-site clinics.
EH&W provides a wide range of personal healthcare services to support your overall well-being at little to no cost to you. The clinics provide the following services:
- Acute care for non-emergent illness or injury, such as pink eye, sprains, lacerations, the flu and more
- Chronic condition management
- Mental health support
- Personalized health coaching
- Nutrition counseling
- Biometric screenings
- Flu vaccines
- Physical therapy*
- Allergy injections*
- Blood work and lab tests*
- X-rays* (NM only)
- Acute care for non-emergent illness or injury, such as pink eye, sprains, lacerations, the flu and more
- Chronic condition management
- Mental health support
- Personalized health coaching
- Nutrition counseling
- Biometric screenings
- Flu vaccines
- Physical therapy*
- Allergy injections*
- Blood work and lab tests*
- X-rays* (NM only)
* With a provider order or referral only.
A wise move
Visit the clinic in person in New Mexico or California, or access some services virtually.
Primary care
If you don’t have a primary care provider (PCP), now is the time to find one.
Building a relationship with a PCP makes it easier to stay on top of your health and get recommended preventive screenings. Sandia’s medical plans cover in-network preventive care at no cost to you. You’ll have a trusted provider who knows your health history and can help you get the care you need.
Preventive care saves lives. Annual physicals, blood work, mammograms, colonoscopies, skin cancer screenings, Pap smears, immunizations and other preventive screenings can help catch problems before they become more serious and expensive to treat. Learn more.
For some primary care, you may be able to schedule virtual care (telehealth).
A wise move
Set aside a few minutes this week to find an in-network primary care provider (PCP) and to schedule your annual preventive care visit. Care coordinators at Wellthy can help you find a PCP and schedule your appointment.
Urgent care
Need in-person care today?
Some health issues need prompt attention — but not all of them require the emergency room.
Urgent care can be a convenient option when you need prompt, in-person care for a minor illness or injury. Most urgent care centers offer same-day care for concerns like sprains, minor fractures, cuts that may need stitches, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, pink eye, flu symptoms, urinary tract infections and other non-life-threatening conditions.
Depending on your healthcare needs, virtual care (telehealth) might be another option to consider when you need same-day care. It offers convenient access to care, when and where you need it.
Compared to emergency rooms, urgent care and virtual visits are typically faster, more convenient and usually cost significantly less (on average, one-tenth of the cost of an emergency room visit).
A wise move
When you need immediate care but it’s not a life-threatening emergency, consider visiting an urgent care center. Employees in New Mexico and California can have immediate needs addressed at the Employee Health & Wellbeing clinics.
Emergency care
If it’s a life-threatening emergency, get care immediately.
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911 if you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms or a major injury.
Depending on where you live, you may have noticed advertisements for new emergency care centers. Most of these facilities are out-of-network and charge Sandia more than 5 times what in-network ERs cost.
Although you may not pay more out of pocket to use these facilities, what Sandia pays adds up and could mean a higher cost to you for coverage down the road.
That’s why it’s important to understand your options and why your choices matter.
A wise move
Choose the right care for your situation. And, whenever possible, use in-network emergency room facilities.
Mental health
Your mental health deserves attention and care.
If you have a Sandia medical plan, you and your covered dependents can also access counseling and behavioral health services. These include help for anxiety, depression, substance use, medication evaluations, and other mental health needs.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency or having suicidal thoughts, call 988.
A wise move
Reach out before stress, anxiety, relationship concerns or other challenges become overwhelming. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Wellness support
Feeling your best starts with the simple choices you make every day.
A wise move
Explore the wellness resources available through your health plan and Sandia Employee Health & Wellbeing. Then, choose one thing you can do this week to support your health and well-being.
Additional resources