Know Before You Go—Options for Care
Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is the best way to receive consistent, quality care. Except for emergencies, your PCP should be your first call when you require medical attention.
- If you have a life-threatening injury, illness or emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Below is a chart with other choices for care, including some options that are available anytime, day or night.
Your Care Options |
Cost |
Needs or Symptoms Such As |
24/7 |
Rx |
Virtual Care |
In-Person Care |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CloseKnit Virtual Care 24/7/365 virtual-first primary care, urgent care, mental health and other speciality services. * In-person care available when applicable. |
$ |
|
||||
24-Hour Nurse Advice Line Call 800-535-9700 for general questions about health issues or where to go for care |
$0 |
|
||||
PCP Visit Discuss diagnosis, treatment of illness, chronic conditions, routine check-ups |
$ |
|
Verify availability with your provider | |||
Convenience Care (e.g., retail clinics such as CVS MinuteClinic) Health screenings, vaccinations, minor illness or injury |
$$ |
|
||||
Urgent Care (e.g., ExpressCare or Patient First) Non-life-threatening illness or injury requiring immediate care |
$$$ |
|
||||
Emergency Room Life-threatening illness or injury |
$$$$ |
|
To find participating providers in your plan, use our Find a Doctor tool.
The information provided in this chart regarding various care options is meant to be helpful when seeking care and is not intended as medical advice. Only a medical provider can offer medical advice. The choice of provider or place to seek medical treatment belongs entirely to you.
Primary care providers (PCP) $ — The best place to get consistent, quality healthcare is your PCP. If you have a medical issue, having a doctor who knows your health history often makes it easier to get the care you need.1
Free 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line $0 — When you are unable to reach your PCP, registered nurses are available anytime, day or night, to help guide you to the most appropriate care. To speak with a nurse, call 800-535-9700.
Convenience care centers $$ — Convenience care centers (retail health clinics such as CVS MinuteClinic® 2) offer care for non-emergency situations like colds, pink eye, strep tests and vaccinations.
Urgent care centers $$$ — Urgent care centers (such as Patient First and ExpressCare2) provide treatment for injuries and illnesses that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening (examples: sprains, minor cuts, sore throats, flu, rashes, minor burns). These centers have doctors on staff and offer weekend/after-hours care.
Emergency rooms $$$$ — Emergency rooms treat acute illnesses and trauma. Go to the ER right away if you or a family member have sudden symptoms that need emergency care, including (but not limited to): chest pain, trouble breathing or head trauma. Prior authorization is not needed for emergency room services.
1 Facility charge: If a service is rendered on a hospital campus, you may receive two bills, one from the physician and one from the facility. It is the member’s responsibility to determine if they will be billed separately.
2 Subject to change. Use our Find a Doctor tool for the most up-to-date list of available facilities.