SEARCH FOR PROVIDERS
Where Should I Go for Care?
Sometimes it's easy to know when you should go to an emergency room, such as when you have severe chest pain or unstoppable bleeding. Sometimes it's not. So where do you go when you have an ear infection or are generally not feeling well?
Guide to Help You Decide the Best Place to Receive Care
You have options for receiving in-network care that work with your schedule and give you access to the right kind of care at the right time.
| Care Option | Hours | Your Relative Cost | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Provider's Office | Office hours vary | Usually lowest out-of-pocket cost | Your physician's office is generally the best place to go for non-emergency care. |
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| Retail Health Clinic* e.g. MinuteClinic (CVS) | Similar to retail store hours | Usually lowest out-of-pocket cost | Walk-in clinics are often located in stores and pharmacies to provide convenient, low-cost treatment for minor medical problems. | Common illnesses such as pink eye, strep throat Minor wounds, abrasions and skin conditions, such as poison ivy |
| Urgent Care Provider* | Generally include evenings, weekends and holidays | Usually lower out-of-pocket cost than an ER visit | Urgent care providers can offer care when your physician is not available or you don't need the level of care an emergency room provides. |
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| Emergency Room (ER) | 24 hours, seven days a week | Highest out-of-pocket cost | ERs treat serious illnesses and injuries. |
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To quickly and easily locate physicians, hospitals and urgent care providers from your mobile device download the BCBSIL Mobile App. You can also contact Member Services at 1-800-621-7336 (Bargained), 1-855-439-3641 (Management) if you need help locating a provider.
*Planning ahead gives you the best opportunity to select an in-network provider in an emergency situation.