Emergency Care
When you are sick or hurt, your first thought might be to go to the nearest Emergency Room. But it's important to know if it's the right place to go for care.
What is Emergency Care?
An emergency is when a person could die or be permanently hurt. The Emergency Room (ER) provides care for these critical or life-threatening conditions. Emergency care can involve ambulance transport, health screenings, exams and tests.
The ER is not for routine health care, and you may have to wait a very long time if you are not experiencing a true emergency. If you have a health problem like the flu or a minor burn and you can't see your regular doctor, you have the option of going to an Urgent Care Center.
What to Do in an Emergency
If your condition is life-threatening, call 911 or go the Emergency Room. Emergency care is covered at all times and in all places.
If you're not sure if you should visit the Emergency Room and need advice, you can:
- Call the Nurse Advice Line 1-800-249-3619 (TTY 711)
- Call Member Services at 1-888-839-9909 (TTY 711)