Where to go for 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 do have other options. Our explanation below can assist you in making 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.

24-hour Nurse hotline

If you are experiencing symptoms outside of normal working hours, our Nurse Advice Line/Dean on Call hotlines have registered nurses who can answer your questions or guide you to the appropriate location for care. 

Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma employees call 833-925-0398.

Wisconsin employees call 800-576-8773.

E-visit

You can get care right from the comfort of your own home. In 60 minutes or less, 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

Primary care provider

Contact your PCP for a wide range of preventative 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.

Some examples of primary care:

• annual checkups
• preventative care
• immunizations
• acute illness

Urgent care

Urgent care is designed to treat medical problems sooner than a scheduled office visit, but higher copays are possible. For more information about urgent care sites call WellFirst Health customer service at 877-274-4693 or call the 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 833-925-0398. Find the nearest Urgent Care center.

Use urgent care for:

• most broken bones
• bruises or sprains
• most drug reactions

Emergency care

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