Where to Find Same-Day Health Care

Learn Where to Get Care When You Need It Fast

Your plan offers lots of options for same-day care

There are times when your doctor isn’t available when you need care fast. And when you know your best same-day care option you can save:

  • Time
  • Travel
  • Worry

If you feel that you are having an emergency, call 911 right away or go to the nearest ER.

The guidelines below can help you make the right choice when you need same-day health care services.

Guidelines for Choosing Same-Day Health Care
Compare Your NeedsAvailable from the comfort of your homeOptions outside of your home
Telehealth1 (ex. Teladoc)Nurse Advice LineUrgent Care (centers)
Visit by phoneTelehealth - YesNurse Advice Line - YesNot Available
Video from anywhere2Telehealth - YesNot AvailableNot Available
24/7 accessTelehealth - YesNurse Advice Line - YesNot Available
Get prescriptions when medically needed3Telehealth - YesNot AvailableUrgent Care Center - Yes
Treat non-emergencies like UTI, allergies, upset stomach, rashesTelehealth - YesNot AvailableUrgent Care Center - Yes
Receive labs and diagnosticsNot AvailableNot AvailableUrgent Care Center - Yes4
Can refer patient to ERTelehealth - YesNurse Advice Line - YesUrgent Care Center - Yes
Shorter wait times5Telehealth - YesNurse Advice Line - YesUrgent Care Center - Yes
Can treat serious conditions (e.g. fractures, stitches, allergic reactions, asthma attacksNot AvailableNot AvailableUrgent Care Center - Yes
Behavioral healthTelehealth - YesNot AvailableUrgent Care Center - Yes

1 Use the Select Telehealth Services Provider for telehealth visits ($0 copayment) to treat many non-emergency common illnesses. Deductible may apply for some plans.
2 Teladoc visits are valid within the 50 U.S. states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
3 Access to telehealth services does not guarantee a prescription.
4 Not all urgent care centers offer lab and/or diagnostic services.
5 In 2017, the median ER wait time in California for patients before being admitted as inpatients was more than 5 ½ hours. Information varies by location.

 

Telehealth

We have teamed up with Teladoc Health to offer you access to telehealth1,2,3 services.

You can use Teladoc Health to get the care you need when you can't see your Primary Care Physician (PCP). General medical appointments are available 24/7. This includes:

  • Pediatrics
  • Urgent care
  • Women’s health and more

Therapy and counseling appointments are also available weekdays from 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. (Pacific time). Please call Teladoc Health toll free at 800-TELADOC (800-835-2362). Or, visit Teladoc Health to make your first appointment.

Nurse Advice Line

Reach out to a registered nurse – 24 hours a day – and get instant support.

Call the number on your member ID card and get answers to questions about:

  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Minor burns
  • Minor illness and injury
  • Bug bites, stings and more

Urgent Care

For non-life-threatening concerns, urgent care centers come in handy. And for the most part they have a lower out-of-pocket cost than an ER visit. Get same-day care for non-emergency illnesses or injuries. Some urgent care centers now provide x-rays and lab tests as well. Urgent care center benefits include:

  • After-hours care
  • Shorter wait times than an emergency room (ER) in general
  • No appointment needed

Find an Urgent Care Center near you

Source: khn.org/news

1You may receive services on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available, from your primary care provider, a treating specialist or from another contracting individual health professional, contracting clinic, or contracting health facility consistent with the service and existing timeliness and geographic access standards required under California law. Any cost share for services received through Teladoc Health (Teladoc) will accrue toward your out-of-pocket maximum and deductible (if your plan has a deductible). By scheduling through Teladoc, you consent to receive services via telehealth through Teladoc. See your health plan coverage document for coverage information and for the definition of telehealth services. You have a right to access your medical records for services received through Teladoc. Unless you choose otherwise, any services provided through Teladoc shall be shared with your primary care provider.

2Access to telehealth services does not guarantee a prescription.

3Teladoc Health is not available internationally.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your physician for advice about changes that may affect your health.