Where Do I Go When I Need Care?

Understanding your network

The type of health plan you choose determines the network of providers you can visit. Doctors and hospitals in your plan's network are in-network providers. Those not in your plan's network are out-of-network providers. You may pay more for out-of-network services, and some may not be covered at all.

Know your options — before you need them

When you need care, your primary care physician (PCP) can best assess your condition. If your PCP is unavailable, you may have other options for in-network care: retail clinics, urgent care centers, and telemedicine. Use the tool below to learn more about each option. In the case of a life-threatening illness or injury, always go to the nearest emergency room.

Consult a physician from your phone or computer.

Some plans do not include coverage for telemedicine services. Check your benefits booklet to determine if telemedicine is currently available for you.

- Cost:
- Time:
- Severity:

Best For

- allergic reactions (minor)
- bronchitis
- cold, cough, and flu
- digestive issues
- eye pain or irritation
- fever
- headache (minor)
- skin conditions
- sinus pain
- sore throat
- urinary tract infection
- vomiting

Get quick, convenient care for illnesses and vaccines.

- Cost:
- Time:
- Severity:

Best For

- allergic reactions (minor)
- bronchitis
- burns (minor)
- cold, cough, and flu
- cuts and scrapes
- digestive issues
- ear pain
- eye pain or irritation
- fever
- headache (minor)
- insect bites
- sinus pain
- sore throat
- urinary tract infection
- vaccinations
- vomiting

Use this faster, less expensive choice if you get sick or hurt.

- Cost:
- Time:
- Severity:

Best For

- allergic reactions (minor)
- animal bites
- asthma attack (minor)
- cold, cough, and flu
- back pain
- broken bones (minor)
- bronchitis
- burns (minor)
- digestive issues
- ear pain
- eye pain or irritation
- fever
- headache (minor)
- infections
- injuries (minor)
- insect bites
- sinus pain
- skin conditions
- sore throat
- sprains and strains
- stitches
- urinary tract infection

Go to the emergency room (ER) in case of a life-threatening or severe sickness or injury.

- Cost:
- Time:
- Severity:

Best For

- high fever with headache or stiff neck
- loss of consciousness
- major injury
- overdose
- poisoning
- seizure
- severe allergic reaction
- signs of heart attack or stroke
- spine injury
- sudden severe headache
- suicidal thoughts
- trouble breathing

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Find a provider

Find a doctor, urgent care center, or hospital near you.
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Definitioner

provider

Health care professionals and facilities, such as doctors and hospitals.

primary care physician

Often abbreviated to PCP, this is just another term for your family doctor, or the doctor you see for most of your health care needs. A primary care physician focuses on preventive care and the treatment of routine injuries and illnesses, and may recommend a specialist as needed.

retail clinics (retail clinic)

A retail clinic is a space within a pharmacy or other retail store that is staffed by nurse practitioners. You can use these clinics when your doctor is not available and your injury or illness is minor, such as a sore throat, earache, or skin rash. Care at a retail clinic will cost you less than the same care in a hospital emergency room.

out-of-network providers

The doctors, hospitals, labs, and other health care providers who DO NOT have a contract with a health insurance company. Some health plans include coverage (at a higher cost) for out-of-network providers, and some may not provide coverage at all.

urgent care centers (urgent care center)

A stand-alone clinic where board-certified doctors treat illness or injury requiring immediate medical attention. You can use these centers when your doctor is not available and your illness or injury is not life threatening, but requires immediate attention, such as a cut requiring stitches or a sprain. Care in an urgent care center will cost you less than the same care in a hospital emergency room. For conditions that are life threatening, such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain, or a cut or wound that won’t stop bleeding, seek the care of the closest emergency room.

in-network providers

The doctors, hospitals, labs, and other health care providers who contract with a health insurance company to deliver services to members. They usually charge discounted rates for their services, so you’ll save the most money by visiting in-network providers.

Making the Most of Your Health Plan

Where Do I Go When I Need Care?

Understanding your network

Know your options — before you need them

Find a provider

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