Know Where To Go When You Need Care Now
When you have a sudden health issue, it’s important to find the right care for your situation so you can start feeling better as soon as possible. If it’s not an emergency, you have other treatment options that can save you time and money, including:
- Your doctor: When you call your primary care doctor they’ll help you decide whether to visit an urgent care center or come into the office.
- A retail health clinic: These clinics are usually located in drug stores or other large stores and staffed by physician assistants or nurse practitioners. They’re open weekends, evenings, and most holidays. If they can’t treat you, they’ll help you figure out where to go.
- An urgent care center: Staffed by internal medicine, family practice, pediatric, and emergency room doctors, these centers are usually open weekends, evenings, and holidays. They offer immediate care for conditions that are not life-threatening.
Deciding which option is right for you
Check the chart on this page to see where you can receive treatment for different health issues. You can also call Anthem’s 24/7 NurseLine at no cost to you 1-800-700-9184 for help choosing a treatment option.
Go to the emergency room if you’re experiencing any of the following medical emergencies:
- Any life-threatening or disabling condition
- Severe shortness of breath
- Sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness
- High fever with stiff neck, mental confusion, or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain; numbness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty speaking
- Major injuries
- Cut or wound that will not stop bleeding
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Possible broken bones
