It never fails. Friday at 5 p.m., your little one spikes a fever, just after the doctor’s office closes. Or you wake up Sunday morning with chills and an awful headache. Sickness and medical emergencies don’t follow a 9 to 5 schedule.
It’s important to make sure you know when to go to your primary care provider, an urgent care center, or an emergency room when you or your child is sick. Going to the appropriate provider means getting the best care at the best cost. Remember, costs may differ, depending on your health care plan and your medical condition.
We know it can be confusing, so we created a quick guide to knowing how to find the right care at the right time at the right place. If you still are not sure what to do, call the Community First 24/7 Nurse Advice Line toll-free at 1-800-434-2347 to speak with a registered nurse in English and Spanish. They can help you decide where to go to get care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If you’re having a mental health crisis, call 988.
Read our quick guide to get the right care at the right time here, in English and in Spanish.