Deciding Where to Go for Health Care 

Sometimes it's clear where to go when you need care, such as when you're suddenly having severe chest pain or you've broken your leg. At other times, it's not so clear. It's good to learn about your choices. Knowing where to go can make a big difference in cost and time.

You have many resources to help you decide:

• Partner Care Team — 1-866-432-7289. Call your dedicated Partner Care Team for more information or to find a provider.
• Download the guide on deciding where to go for care.
• 24/7 Nurseline* — 1-888-838-9473. The 24/7 Nurseline can also help you decide if you should call your doctor, go to the ER or treat the problem yourself.
• Visit virtually with a doctor using MDLIVE^®, available 24/7 at a $30 copay.
• If you need emergency care, call 911 or seek help from any doctor or hospital immediately.

Looking for a doctor or hospital? Our Provider Finder^® gives you access to one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals in the country.

Find a doctor or hospital now

Need help after-hours or can't get an appointment with your doctor?

Visit virtually with a board-certified doctor using MDLIVE!

Available 24/7, MDLIVE can help with:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Cold, Flu and Cough
• Nausea
• Fever/Headache (except children under age 3)
• Sore Throat
• Insect Bites
• Pink Eye
• Rash and more!

Learn more about Virtual Visits

To use MDLIVE, download the MDLIVE app or call 1-888-680-8646. The number is also on the back of your medical card.

Urgent Care Center or Free Standing ER 

Knowing the Difference can Save You Money

Urgent Care Centers and Free Standing ERs can be hard to tell apart. Free Standing ERs often look a lot like Urgent Care Centers, but costs are higher, just as if you went to the ER at a hospital.

Here are some ways to know if you are at a Free Standing ER:

• Look like Urgent Care Centers, but include EMERGENCY in facility names
• Are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Are physically separate from a hospital
• Are subject to the same copay as hospital ER
• Are staffed by ER physicians

For help finding an in-network urgent care center, please call the Partner Care Team at 1-866-432-7289, available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (M - F), download the BCBSTX mobile app, or use our Provider Finder^®.

*24/7 Nurseline is not a substitute for the medical advice of a doctor. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, you should discuss them with your doctor.

The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice, nor meant to be a substitute for the individual medical judgment of a doctor or other health care professional. Please check with your doctor for individualized advice on the information provided. Coverage may vary depending on your specific benefit plan and use of network providers. For questions, please call your Partner Care Team at 1-866-432-7289.