Depending on the severity of a member’s medical concern, the emergency department might not be the best option. Seeking care at alternatives can save the member time and money — and reduce the capacity crunch at hospitals.
- For urgent care, a member’s first choice should be to consult with their primary care provider.
- Our Medicare and commercial member nurse care line is available 24/7 at 1-888-247-BLUE.
- For FEP members, the 24/7 nurse care line is 1-888-258-3432. FEP members can also chat with a nurse 24/7 at fepblue.org/myblue or via the FEPBlue app.
- Urgent care centers are another option. Most of these free-standing clinics are open seven days a week and are covered by Blue Cross.
- We also offer options for those people who don't have a primary care provider. Innovative providers Firefly Health offers virtual care and often has same day primary and urgent care appointments for our members.* Firefly works closely with mental health providers to give members a collaborative care experience.
*Firefly Health is currently available to our members with commercial plans (HMO, PPO, and POS).
Resources
- After hours support
- Emergency Room Alternatives (patient handout)
- The Find Care menu on bluecrossma.org:
