Need fast medical care? Know your options.

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

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 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 $24 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–$36 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 $36 copay and you are not required to use an in-network facility.

24-HOUR NURSE LINE

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: $0–$73 copay, depending on your plan.

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.