It’s important to know where to go when you need care.

Sometimes the choice is clear. If you’re having signs of a heart attack or stroke, it’s best to go to an emergency room (ER). But what if you have a sore throat? Or an upset stomach after eating sushi? The choice may not be so clear.

Knowing where to go for medical care may save you money and time.

Keep these options for care in mind. And always check to make sure all of the providers and facilities you use are in your health plan’s network.

24/7 Nurseline

If your health plan offers access to the 24/7 Nurseline¹, English- and Spanish-speaking registered nurses are on call to answer your questions.

• Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• It’s easy to connect, just call 800-299-0274.

Telehealth Visits

You may be able to visit with a doctor by phone, online video chat or via mobile app for non-emergency medical and behavioral health concerns.²

• Telehealth visits can happen anytime night or day, 7 days a week.
• They can be a good option when you have allergies, a cold or flu, or suffer from depression.

Doctor's Office

Talk to the doctor who knows you and your medical history best. Your doctor can help with preventive care and common health issues like fevers, colds, the flu, sore throats and stomachache.

Retail Clinic

Many grocery stores, pharmacies and “big box” chains have a medical care clinic located inside. These “retail” clinics³:

• Can be good for non-emergency care when you can’t see a doctor.
• Offer weekend and evening hours, accept walk-ins and can have short wait times.
• Can take care of minor injuries, pain, sore throat, strep and other non-emergencies.

Urgent Care

Your neighborhood urgent care is a good option when a health issue needs immediate attention but isn’t an emergency. An urgent care center:

• Offers evening, weekend and holiday hours.
• Treats cuts that need stitches, migraines and severe headaches, back pain, sprains and strains, animal bites, rashes, and more.

The closest urgent care center may not be in your health plan’s network. That’s why it’s good to think about where you would go now, before you need care. Use our Provider Finder^® tool to find your closest in-network urgent care center. 

Be careful to choose an urgent care center and not a standalone ER. If the building has “Emergency” listed on its exterior, it is an ER. If it is not attached to a hospital, it is a standalone ER. That means it may not be covered by your health plan and can cost you a lot more money.

Hospital Emergency Room

Go to a hospital ER if you have life-threatening symptoms. Any time you have chest pains or heart problems, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, broken bones, or sudden or severe pain, seek help right away.

• Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• With a staff of medical experts, an ER is best equipped to care for you in an emergency.

Find Care

Use our Provider Finder^® tool to find a doctor's office, retail health clinic, urgent care center or hospital ER in your plan's provider network.

Remember, when you visit in-network providers, you may pay less for care. That’s why it’s good to learn about your choices now. It will help you be prepared the next time you need care. 

¹ The 24/7 Nurseline may not be available with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details. 24/7 Nurseline is not a substitute for a doctor’s care. Talk to your doctor about any health questions or concerns.
² Telehealth visits may not be available with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details. Internet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral Health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.
³ Visiting a Retail Clinic may not be covered with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details.

Originally published 4/22/2015; Revised 2019, 2022, 2023