When you are sick

When you are sick it is important for you to know what to do. The following will give you information on the different services available to you, if you become ill.

How and where to get care (PDF)

Your PCP

Always try to call your PCP when you feel sick.

Nurse Call Line

Our Nurse Call Line is a confidential service available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-566-1513. Specially trained nurses can answer questions about your health and give you information when your doctor is not available. They can help you choose the right level of care based on your symptoms. Or, if you want general information about a health care topic, you can email our nurses. They will call you back within 24 hours. If you have a specific health-related question, please call the Nurse Call Line at 1-866-566-1513.

Please remember that the Nurse Call Line does not take the place of your doctor. Always follow up with your doctor if you have questions about your health care. 

Urgent care centers

Urgent care centers are for conditions that are serious, but are not emergencies. It requires attention from a doctor, but not in the emergency room (ER). Some examples are:

  • Coughing
  • Vomiting
  • Pink eye
  • Rashes
  • Diarrhea

If you need urgent care, but you are not sure it is an emergency, call your primary care practitioner (PCP) first. He or she will help you decide if you need to go to the ER, go to the PCP's office or go to a nearby urgent care center. If you cannot get in touch with your PCP, remember that the 24-hour Nurse Call Line is always available to you. If you do go to an urgent care center, please be sure to follow up with your PCP within 24 hours.

Emergency rooms

An emergency is when you must be seen immediately.

For emergencies, dial 911 for an ambulance or go directly to the nearest ER. Some examples of an emergency are:

  • Chest pain
  • Choking
  • Poisoning
  • Heavy breathing
  • Unable to breathe properly
  • Broken bones
  • Severe dizzy spells, fainting, or blacking out

These are just some examples of an emergency. You do not need approval from AmeriHealth Caritas to receive care in an emergency. The hospital cannot turn you away. It is the law. If you do go to the ER, please be sure to follow up with your PCP within 24 hours.

If you cannot find what you are looking for on our website, please take a look at our member handbook or call Member Services at 1-888-991-7200. Our representatives are there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nurse Call Line 1-866-566-1513