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