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Using SmartER CareSM Options
If you aren’t having an emergency, knowing where to go for medical care may save you on cost and time.
You have choices for where you get non-emergency care — what we call SmartER Care options. Use these places instead of the emergency room (ER). Plus, when you visit in-network providers, you may pay less for care.
Please call
911
Compare Care Options
Select each option to help you decide where to go based on your health care needs.
24/7 Bilingual Nurseline
Bilingual (English and Spanish) registered nurses on call to answer your questions or concerns 1
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
29 seconds
Very Low
Virtual Visits
You may be able to have a live doctor visit by phone, online video or mobile app
for non-emergency medical and behavioral health care 2-3
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Doctor's Office
Talk to the person who knows you and your medical history
Office hours may vary
Retail Clinic
For non-emergency care when you can't see your doctor 5
Hours based on retail store hours
15 minutes
Low
Infections
Minor injuries or pain
Sore and strep throat
Urgent Care
Not an emergency but needs immediate attention
Generally includes evening, weekend and holiday hours
16-24 minutes6
High
Cuts that need stitches
Migraines or headaches
Back pain
Sprains or strains
Animal bites or rashes
Tolerable pain
Emergency Room
For life-threatening symptoms
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
4 hours,
7 min7
7 min7
Very High
Heart problems, heart attack
Chest pain, stroke
Breathing problems
Heavy bleeding
Broken bones
Sudden or severe pain
Helpful SmartER Care Tips
Consider a Virtual Visit Instead of the ER
You may be able to visit with an independently contracted, board-certified MDLIVE doctor or therapist anytime, anywhere by phone, video or mobile app.2-3
Learn more about Virtual Visits.
Estimate Treatment Costs
Before going for care, log in to Blue Access for MembersSM to see if you can compare costs.
Think About an Urgent Care Center Instead of the ER
Going to an Urgent Care Center instead of the ER for non-emergency care often means shorter wait times and lower bills. Sometimes a visit to the ER for non-emergency care isn't covered.
The 24/7 Bilingual Nurseline may not be available with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details.
Back to content - Footnote 1 referenceInternet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral Health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.
Virtual Visits, Powered by MDLIVE may not be available on all plans. Virtual Visits are subject to the terms and conditions of your benefit plan, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions. MDLIVE operates subject to state regulations and may not be available in certain states. MDLIVE is not an insurance product nor a prescription fulfillment warehouse. MDLIVE does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA-controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.
MDLIVE operates and administers the virtual visit program and is solely responsible for its operations and that of its contracted providers. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc. and may not be used without written permission.
Blue Cross®, Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Back to content - Footnote 2 and 3 referenceVitals Annual Wait Time Report, 2017.
Back to content - Footnote 4 referenceVisiting a Retail Clinic may not be covered with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details.
Back to content - Footnote 5 referenceWait Time Trends in Urgent Care and Their Impact on Patient Satisfaction, 2017.
Back to content - Footnote 6 referenceEmergency Department Pulse Report 2010 Patient Perspectives on American Health Care. Press Ganey Associates.
Back to content - Footnote 7 reference