Know Before You Go—Options for Care

Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is the best way to receive consistent, quality care. Except for emergencies, your PCP should be your first call when you require medical attention.

If you have a life-threatening injury, illness or emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.

Below is a chart with other choices for care, including some options that are available anytime, day or night.

Sample health plan
Your Care Options	Cost	Needs or Symptoms Such As	Virtual Care
CloseKnit Primary Care CloseKnit offers in-person or virtual primary care with 40+ locations across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia In-person care available when applicable; Primary care available to members and dependents ages 18+; Virtual urgent care available to members and dependents ages 2+	$	Preventive health visits Same- or next-day sick visits Behavioral health care Psychiatry for ages 2+ Lactation consultation Nutrition and diet support
24-Hour Nurse Advice Line Call 800-535-9700 for general questions about health issues or where to go for care	$0	Cough, cold and flu Rashes Medication questions
PCP Visit Discuss diagnosis, treatment of illness, chronic conditions, routine check-ups	$	Routine physical Diabetic care Cough, cold, flu, allergies Bronchitis	Verify availability with your provider
Convenience Care Health screenings, vaccinations, minor illness or injury	$$	Cough and cold Pink eye Ear pain Flu shot
Urgent Care Non-life-threatening illness or injury requiring immediate care	$$$	Sprains Cut requiring stitches Minor burns Sore throat
Emergency Room Life-threatening illness or injury	$$$$	Chest pain Difficulty breathing Uncontrolled bleeding Major burns

Find participating providers in your plan here.

The information provided in this chart regarding various care options is meant to be helpful when seeking care and is not intended as medical advice. Only a medical provider can offer medical advice. The choice of provider or place to seek medical treatment belongs entirely to you.

Primary care providers (PCP) $ — The best place to get consistent, quality healthcare is your PCP. If you have a medical issue, having a doctor who knows your health history often makes it easier to get the care you need.¹

Free 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line $0 — When you are unable to reach your PCP, registered nurses are available anytime, day or night, to help guide you to the most appropriate care. To speak with a nurse, call 800-535-9700.

Convenience care centers $$ — Convenience care centers offer care for non-emergency situations like colds, pink eye, strep tests and vaccinations.

Urgent care centers $$$ — Urgent care centers provide treatment for injuries and illnesses that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening (examples: sprains, minor cuts, sore throats, flu, rashes, minor burns). These centers have doctors on staff and offer weekend/after-hours care.

Emergency rooms $$$$ — Emergency rooms treat acute illnesses and trauma. Go to the ER right away if you or a family member have sudden symptoms that need emergency care, including (but not limited to): chest pain, trouble breathing or head trauma. Prior authorization is not needed for emergency room services.

¹ Facility charge: If a service is rendered on a hospital campus, you may receive two bills, one from the physician and one from the facility. It is the member’s responsibility to determine if they will be billed separately.