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Accessing Care

24/7 Nurse Advice Line 1-866-799-5321 (TYY 1-800-955-8770)

No matter what time it is, Children’s Medical Services Health Plan is here to make sure you have the answers when you need them. When you call our free Nurse Advice Line to discuss your child, you can speak directly to an experienced nurse who is ready to help you and your family — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

We can help answer questions about medications, talk about your child’s health issues and whether your child should go to the emergency room, urgent care or call his or her primary care provider. We can also help find a provider near you.

Use the chart below to help you decide the best care option.

Infographic showing where to go for care in different scenarios. Full description is below.

Infographic Description

Title: Accessing Care

  1. Is your child’s illness or injury life threatening? (Ex. shortness of breath, chest pains, bleeding that won't stop, poisoning, burns, broken bone)
    1. If Yes, Call 9-1-1 or go to the ER.
      Immediately go to an Emergency Room for:
       
      • Chest pains
      • Bleeding that won't stop
      • Shortness of breath
      • Broken Bones
      • Poisoning
      • Severe cuts or burns
    2. If no, does your child have a physical injury or an illness like the flu, an ear infection or a fever?
      1. If yes, do you want your child to see a doctor, or do you want to talk to a nurse for advice?
        1. If you want your child to see a doctor, is the doctor's office open?
          1. If yes, call your child’s primary care provider (PCP).
          2. If no, go to urgent care or call our 24/7 nurse advice line.
        2. If you want to talk to a nurse for advice, call our 24/7 nurse advice line at 1-866-799-5321.