Where To Get Care

We want to make sure you have easy access to care from the right provider when you need it.

Image of a doctor using a stethoscope on a child seated on his mother’s lap.  Primary Care Provider (PCP) Used for common illnesses and advice. You will get most of your preventive care from your PCP. You should see your PCP the most often!  Image of a person seated at a desk talking with a doctor on a computer screen.  Telehealth  Visit with a provider by phone or computer from wherever you are. Ask your providers if they offer telehealth. You can also talk to a doctor 24/7 through Teladoc. Call 1-800-835-2362 or visit Teladoc.com/CareSource to get started.  Image of a person getting medicine from a pharmacist behind a counter.  Convenience Care Clinics Used for common illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, and to get immunizations. They are found in many local drug and grocery stores.  Image of two people sitting in chairs talking with one another. One person is taking notes.  Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) CBHCs provide health and social services for people living with mental health and/or substance use problems. CBHCs are often the first place people go to get help for behavioral health concerns.   Image of two people talking with a doctor.  Urgent Care Used to treat non-life threatening issues. When your provider is not available and your health issue cannot wait.  Image of a person laying on a hospital bed talking with a doctor standing next to the bed. An ambulance is in the background.  Hospital Emergency Room Use for life-threatening issues or emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Navigate Download the Where to Get Care Graphic

.

If you aren’t sure what to ask or where to go for care, call our CareSource24® Nurse Advice Line. Call 1-866-206-0554 (TTY: 1-800-750-0750 or 711) to talk to a CareSource24 registered nurse. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

Each member of CareSource should have a primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP is an individual physician, physician group practice, advanced practice nurse, or advanced practice nurse group practice trained in family medicine (general practice), internal medicine, or pediatrics. Your PCP will:

  • Work with you to direct your care
  • Treat you for most of your health needs
  • Send you to a specialist, if needed
  • Admit you to the hospital

Going to the same PCP each time you need care will help them get to know you and your needs. The more familiar your PCP is with you and your medical history, the better they will be able to treat you.

If you haven’t chosen a PCP yet, you can find one in the CareSource network using our Find A Doctor/Provider search tool or by calling Member Services. If you are a new patient for your PCP, you should call to schedule a visit. This will help your PCP get to know your health needs right away. You should go for your first visit within 90 days of joining CareSource.

Telehealth

Telehealth is when you use your phone, computer, or tablet to speak to a provider. Telehealth is a convenient option for care and may lower your chance of being exposed to illnesses like the flu. It can also give you quick medical advice that can prevent your condition from getting worse. There is no cost to use telehealth and it removes the stress of needing transportation to and from the doctor’s office.

Your PCP may offer telehealth services on your phone or computer. You can talk to your PCP from wherever you are. Please check with your PCP for available options and to learn more. Learn more about the options CareSource offers for telehealth visits.

Convenience Care Clinics

If you can’t see your PCP, we want to make it easy for you and your family to get care when you need it most. A retail visit is quicker than a visit to urgent care or an ER. You can go to clinics inside of CVS®, Kroger®, and Walmart® for basic care. At the clinic, you can:

  • Get a flu shot
  • Get health screenings and physicals
  • Get care for aches and pains, sicknesses, and minor injuries

Most clinics are open in the evening, 7 days a week. Visits can be scheduled for the same day. Often walk-ins are welcome. Note: children’s immunizations are not covered at these clinics.

Urgent Care

Urgent care is for non-emergencies. They are for when you can’t see your PCP right away. They help keep an injury, sickness, or mental health issue from getting worse. If you think you need to go to urgent care, you can:

  • Call your PCP for advice.
  • Call CareSource24, our Nurse Advice Line.
  • Go to a network urgent care center listed in our Find a Doctor/Provider

After you go, always call your PCP to schedule follow-up care.

When you are outside the service area, you might not be able to get care from a network provider. In that case, our plan will cover urgently needed care you get from any provider within the United States or its territories.

Emergency Services

If you have an emergency situation now, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Emergency services are for severe health issues that must be treated right away. CareSource pays for emergency services both in and out of the county where you live. Examples of medical issues needing emergency care are:

  • Miscarriage/pregnancy with vaginal bleeding
  • Severe chest pain
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Major burns

If you are not sure whether you need to go to the emergency room, call your PCP or the CareSource24 Nurse Advice Line. If you have more questions about where to get care, please see your member handbook.

Member Services: 1-800-488-0134 (TTY: 1-800-750-0750 or 711), Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.