You should always go to the nearest emergency room in a life-threatening situation*. But in other cases, even for urgent injuries, you have other options that can save you time and money.
It’s always best to call your doctor’s office first, even after hours. They may want to see you or suggest alternatives to the emergency room. After you call, in the absence of severe symptoms, consider the options below:
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24/7 Nurse Care Line |
Limited Services Clinics1 |
Urgent Care Centers2 |
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What It Is |
Talk to a registered nurse any time you have questions about your health. They’ll help guide you through your next steps for care. |
Clinics located within your local pharmacy that treat simple medical concerns that don’t need the emergency room. |
Local clinics that treat conditions that aren’t life-threatening but require immediate treatment. |
| Hours |
24/7 |
Days, evenings, weekends |
Days, evenings, weekends |
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Cost |
No Cost |
$$ |
$$$ |
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How to Find One |
1-888-247-BLUE (2583) |
Visit bluecrossma.com/findadoctor | |
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What They Can Help You With |
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Fever |
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| Dizziness |
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| Cuts |
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General Discomfort |
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| Flu |
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| Earache |
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Sore Throat |
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Pinkeye |
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| Gout |
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Animal Bites |
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Minor Burns |
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Broken Bones |
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| Sprains |
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| Stitches |
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X-rays |
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*Emergency Room
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
- Heart attack (sudden or severe chest pain)
- Stroke (numbness in face, arm, or leg on one side; difficulty talking; loss of vision)
- Severe shortness of breath
- High fever with stiff neck
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Cut or wound that won't stop bleeding
- Possible broken bone
- Poisoning
- Stab wound
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain
- Trauma to the head
- Suicidal feelings
- Example: CVS Minute Clinic®´
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Examples: CareWell®´ Urgent Care, AFC Urgent Care®´, and Health Express