Where For Care

A collaboration of health organizations across Colorado have joined together in a new statewide health education effort to help people understand how to access the right care, at the right time, at the right level. The goal of the “Where for Care” campaign is to create consumer awareness around the concept that there are choices for where consumers should seek care – and not just the decision of what hospital to choose. The collaboration, led by the Colorado Hospital Association (CHA), was created to curb consumer confusion surrounding the various levels for treatment – primary care, urgent care, emergency department – and their associated costs. With more and more care options becoming available – through retail clinics, telehealth, insurer-provider nurse lines, freestanding emergency departments and urgent care centers – consumers need to better understand what each care site offers, what the cost implications may be and when they should seek care at each of those places. “Consumers look at freestanding emergency departments and don’t see an emergency room,” said Steven Summer, CHA president and CEO. “They also don’t really understand the intricacies of their insurance coverage.

Through the Where for Care campaign, we want to change that and empower people so that they know exactly what to expect in terms of cost and care before they enter a medical facility. All care sites exist for a reason, and our goal is to begin to help consumers understand when they should seek care at each option, which will lead to more efficient use of the health care system and will benefit all involved.” CHA funded the development of the campaign, with support from its member hospitals and health systems, including San Luis Valley Health. Other partners involved include the Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) and the Colorado Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). “When it comes to seeking treatment for medical ailments, we could all use some help,” said Donna Wehe, Public Relations. “This campaign is a valuable resource for consumers, and our hospital is thrilled to be a part of this partnership that will better inform people before they become patients.” Burns Marketing provided marketing and creative services through the Ad Club Good Works program. For more information, visit whereforcare.org.