Ways to Get Care
Choosing the right care option now can help save you time and money later.
Attention: In the case of a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or go to your nearest ER.
Do not hesitate to seek immediate care in true emergencies, such as difficulty breathing or moving, poisoning, signs of a stroke or possible heart attack.
Helping you understand your care options
With so many options available, you might not know where to go for the best and fastest care. Get familiar with your options now before you and your family need care. It can help you save time and money.
Download our Know Where to Go Guide to learn more
Care options that fit your needs
24/7 Nurse Line
Speak to a registered nurse 365 days a year to assess symptoms, answer questions and help you decide if you should call a doctor, head to the ER or urgent care, or treat your concerns at home. It's peace of mind - at no cost to you.
Telehealth Services
When you want treatment quickly for minor illnesses and injuries, you can connect with a board-certified doctor 24/7 via phone, video or the Teladoc Health® app. All members get their first two Teladoc visits for free.
Primary Care Doctor
When you need a routine checkup, you should see a primary care doctor. During this visit, they can get to know your medical history and diagnose and treat illnesses. Use our nationwide directory to find one near you.
Retail Clinic
When you need health screenings, vaccinations or treatment for minor illnesses or injuries, you can visit a retail clinic. Typically located in a pharmacy, these clinics offer walk-in appointments for minor illnesses or injuries, health screenings and vaccinations. Use our nationwide directory to find a retail clinic near you.
Urgent Care Center
When you need immediate care for a non-life-threatening illness or injury, you can visit an urgent care center. Many urgent care centers have walk-in appointments and shorter wait times than the emergency room (ER). Use our nationwide directory to find an urgent care center near you.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know needs help right now, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call, text or chat 988 for free and confidential support 24/7. Trained counselors will listen, provide support and connect you to additional resources if necessary. You can also call 1-800-237-TALK (8255).
Prior authorization
Certain medical services and treatments need prior authorization before you receive care.
You may need pre-approval
Depending on the type of care you require, you may need pre-approval (in the form of a prior authorization, precertification, or both). We review the service or treatment to ensure it is medically necessary. If you do not obtain pre-approval, there may be a reduction or denial of your benefit.
Ensure your services have been approved
In most cases, your doctor or facility will take care of approval requests. Because you are still responsible for ensuring that your care is approved, you should always ask your provider if they have contacted us and provided all the necessary information. You can call the number on the back of your member ID card to see if we have received the request. You can also download a full list of services and treatments that need prior approval for each of our plans below.
Health care cost tools
Find costs for procedures and treatments
If you're a member and logged in to MyBlue, you can access our enhanced provider directory and get procedure and treatment cost estimates.
Learn MoreCheck drug costs 24/7
With our Prescription Drug Cost Tool, you can see if your drug is covered under your selected plan and compare costs of covered drugs for all three plans.
Learn MoreSee your current prescription drug costs
If you’re a member and logged in to MyBlue, you can access a personalized drug cost tool that shows you the cost of prescription drugs for your specific plan.
Learn More