Choosing the right care
E-visits, video visit, primary care provider, urgent care, or ER
When it comes to getting care, you have options. A scheduled visit with your primary care provider (PCP) is recommended for many services because they are likely most familiar with your medical history. When a more immediate need arises, however, you do have other options. We 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.
E-visit
Lowest cost option
Try getting care from the comfort of home. Reach a trusted SSM Health provider when you need them most. Get a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and even a prescription, if needed. E-visits are available to members through age 75. To ensure members receive the highest quality of care, those age 76 and above should be seen at a clinic or doctor’s office.
You can use an e-visit for:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Lice
- Yeast infections
- Pink eye/conjunctivitis
- Acid reflux/GERD
Video visit
Lower cost option
Prefer a face-to-face conversation? Start a video visit, and quickly connect with an SSM Health provider.
You can use a video visit for:
- Abnormal headaches
- Earaches
- Chronic conditions
Video visits are only available through your MyChart account. To schedule a video visit, call your preferred clinic or schedule through MyChart.
Primary care provider
Moderate cost option
Contact your PCP for a wide range of preventive and long-tern health care services. To find a PCP, use our provider directory.
You can see your PCP for:
- Annual checkups
- Preventive care
- Immunizations
- Acute illness like earaches, colds, or sore throats
- Migraines
- Managing chronic conditions
Urgent care
Possible higher cost option
Urgent care is designed to treat medical problems sooner than a scheduled office visit, but higher copays are possible. A video visit may also be possible. For more information about urgent care sites call Member Services at 1-800-279-1301 or our Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-57-NURSE. Locate your nearest urgent care center now.
Go to urgent care for:
- Most broken bones
- Bruises or sprains
- Minor cuts
- Minor burns
- Most drug reactions
Emergency care
Highest cost option
Emergency care is for life-threatening illness or injury and has the highest cost. Locate your nearest hospital and always visit the nearest hospital in an emergency.
Go to 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
An e-visit is not a covered benefit under Medicaid or ASO plans.
Not sure of the type of care you need?
If you have a non-emergency need outside of clinic hours and are unsure where to go for care, call 1-800-57-NURSE (1-800-576-8773). You'll be connected with a nurse who can guide you to the most appropriate treatment.
This service is available from 5 p.m. - 8 a.m. during the week. On weekends, it's available all day and night.
Our Nurse Advice Line triage phone services are only available to residents of Wisconsin due to licensing regulations.