Should I go to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care or call the Nurse Advice Line?

Know where to go when you're sick or hurt

Sometimes it's hard to know where to go when you don't feel well. Should you call your doctor? Go to urgent care? Go to the emergency room? Here's some helpful information to help you choose:

Your doctor is your first choice

Your doctor knows you best! Always try to call your doctor's office first if you're sick or have a small injury. They can:

• Give you help over the phone.
• See you in their office.
• Tell you where else to go if they can't see you.

Your doctor's phone number is on your Alliance Member ID Card. If you can’t find it, call Alliance Member Services at 800-700-3874 (TTY: 800-735-2929 or 711). If you are new to the Alliance and need to find a doctor, you can visit our Find a Doctor page to get started.

Can't see your doctor? You have options!

If you can't see your doctor right away, don't worry! There are other ways to get help:

• Call the Nurse Advice Line: Nurses are available 24/7 to answer your health questions and help you decide what to do. Call 844-971-8907 (TTY: Dial 711).
• Go to Urgent Care: Urgent care is great for things that need quick attention but aren't emergencies. Some things you might to urgent care for are:
  • Fevers and colds.
  • Upset stomach and throwing up.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • Minor asthma attacks.
  • Small cuts and scrapes.
  • Small cracks in bones.
• Go to the Emergency Room (ER) for serious medical problems: If you or someone you know has a life-threatening problem, go to the emergency room right away or call 911. This includes things like:
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Seizures (shaking or jerking that you can't control).
  • Serious allergic reactions.
  • Trouble speaking or sudden weakness.
  • Large broken bones.

Remember! The emergency room is for emergencies only. If it's not a life-threatening situation, try your doctor, call the Nurse Advice Line or go to an urgent care center first.

Taking the right steps can help you get the care you need and keep you and your family safe and healthy!

Check out these resources for more help:

• Prescription Drugs and Pharmacy Benefits - Learn about your benefits.

• Find a Pharmacy - Fill your prescriptions at a pharmacy near you.

• Access Transportation Services – Get a ride to your appointments.

• Get Language Assistance – Ask for translation and interpreter services.

• Frequently Asked Questions - See answers to common questions about your health plan.

Questions? If you have any questions, we are here for you! Please call Alliance Member Services Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 800-700-3874. You can also visit the member section of our website to see all the services we offer.