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Choosing the right care

E-visit, primary care provider, urgent care or ER

In most cases, your primary care provider (PCP) should be your first choice for care. Your provider is familiar with your medical history and a scheduled office visit is the most cost-effective method of care.

If you have a more immediate need, you have options. Our explanation below can help you make the right choice when it comes to your need for care, ensuring that you receive the right care in the right place at the right cost.

Nurse advice line

Not sure what to do about your symptoms? Our nurse advice line is a free phone service for WellFirst Health members. It's available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you're not sure you need to see a doctor — or you're wondering if you have a problem — give us a call at 833-925-0398.
See nurse advice line details

E-visit

$ the lowest-cost option
You can get care right from the comfort of your own home. Reach a trusted SSM Health provider when you need them most. Get a diagnosis, a treatment plan and even a prescription, if needed.

Try an e-visit if you are suffering from any of these:
  • upper respiratory infections
  • urinary tract infections
  • lice
  • yeast Infections
  • pink eye/conjunctivitis
  • acid reflux/GERD
Start an e-visit

Primary care provider

$$ the lower-cost option
Contact your PCP for a wide range of preventive and long-term healthcare services. Same-day appointments are usually available for this cost-effective care option. To find a PCP, use our provider directory.

See your PCP for:
  • annual checkups
  • preventative care
  • immunizations
  • acute illness
Find a provider

Urgent care

$$$ possible higher-cost option
Urgent care is designed to treat medical problems sooner than a scheduled office visit, but higher copays are possible. A video visit may also be possible. For more information about urgent care sites call WellFirst Health customer service at 877-514-4194 or call the 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 833-925-0398.

Use urgent care for:
  • most broken bones
  • bruises or sprains
  • most drug reactions
Find urgent care location

Emergency care

$$$$ the high-cost option
Emergency care is for those illnesses or injuries that are life-threatening and has the highest cost. Locate your nearest hospital and always visit the nearest hospital in an emergency.

Seek emergency care for:
  • choking
  • trouble breathing
  • serious broken bones
  • unconsciousness
  • severe or unusual bleeding
  • suspected poisoning
  • Suspected heart attack
  • suspected stroke
  • severe pain
  • prolonged or repeated seizures
  • convulsions
Find emergency care