Need fast medical care? Know your options.

When you need medical care quickly, it's good to know you have a wide range of quality options to choose from, depending on how severe your condition or injury may be.

If you feel your condition is life- or limb- threatening, the emergency room is always the right choice.

If not, we recommend your PCP or an urgent-care clinic. You could save time and money, while receiving excellent care from highly trained medical professionals.

During Regular Business Hours: Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)

Cost: $0 or $20 copay, depending on your plan.

PCPs offer acute-care appointments during regular business hours. For non-life-threatening issues, a quick call to your PCP first may be your best option to get care from someone who knows your medical history and unique health needs.

After Hours: Urgent Care Clinics

Cost: $0–$31 copay, depending on your plan.

Urgent care providers can respond quickly to a variety of non-life- or limb-threatening illnesses and injuries if your PCP’s office is closed. 

Most urgent-care clinics offer extended hours and are open seven days a week. Go to a local urgent-care clinic instead of an emergency room if you have:

• Sprains, muscle strains
• Cough, sore throat, sinus pain, and/or congestion
• Fever, minor infections
• Rash, minor burns or cuts
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Your plan covers urgent care services worldwide with a $31 copay and you are not required to use an in-network facility.

After Hours: 24-Hour Nurse Line
1-800-574-8494

Cost: No charge for US Family Health Plan members.

The US Family Health Plan 24-Hour Nurse Line is a great resource for after-hours questions about non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses. 

Call 1-800-574-8494, option 2 to speak with a registered nurse.

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Cost: $62 copay for all plans.

ERs are the best choice when conditions are life-or-limb-threatening and may require advanced treatment. 

Hospital ERs are open 24 hours every day and offer access to specialists. The average ER wait time for non-emergencies is 90–120 minutes.

Go to your nearest ER if you have:

• Chest pain
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Severe abdominal pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Signs of stroke like sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache

After an ER visit, prompt follow-up care by your PCP can be an important part of getting better. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, please call your PCP.