1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
This is only a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a professional.
The where of
health care …
it matters.
Your primary care
physician
This is the best place for you to
receive care when illness or
injury strike.
Make an appointment for:
• Minor sore throat
• Earache
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Sprains and strains
• Fever under 103º F.
• Colds and flu
• Skin rash
Advantages: your PCP knows you,
has your medical records and can
direct any follow-up care you
might need.
Many PCPs now have more flexible
hours, some even accepting
weekend appointments, and
can be reached after hours by
telephone or email.
Urgent care center
When your PCP isn’t available,
make sure you’re familiar with
a local urgent care center.
Use urgent care centers for non-life
threatening illnesses or medical
issues that can grow worse if you
leave them untreated.
• Minor sore throat
• Earache
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Sprains and strains
• Fever under 103º F.
• Colds and flu
• Skin rash
Advantages: The chief advantage
of urgent care centers is their
ease of use. With extended hours,
walk-in service and generally
convenient locations, urgent care
centers are your next best choice
behind your PCP.
Hospital
emergency room
The hospital emergency room should
be reserved for serious, potentially life-
threatening medical emergencies only.
This list provides a few examples to help
you decide if you should head to the ER:
• Severe injuries — Injuries that must be
diagnosed and immediately treated or
they could result in permanent
damage to your health.
– Examples: broken bones, severe
sprains, deep cuts or uncontrollable
bleeding, poisoning, severe burns
• Medical emergencies — The sudden
onset of a serious condition that,
in the absence of immediate medical
attention, could result in serious
jeopardy to your health
− Examples: chest pains, fevers over
103º F., severe abdominal pain,
coughing or vomiting blood,
sudden dizziness, weakness or loss
of coordination or balance; loss
of consciousness, numbness in the
face, arm or leg, seizures, difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath;
sudden blurred vision, sudden severe,
unusual headache; and for pregnant
women, any emergency that could
jeopardize the pregnancy
Advantages: Hospital ERs are open 24
hours a day, seven days a week and
are equipped to deal with any type of
sudden, serious illness or injury with an
extended stay if necessary.
Need help with a decision?
BCBSM and BCN members can call the
BlueHealthConnection®
24/7 nurse
line at 1-800-775-BLUE or check out
AHealthierMichigan.org/smartER.
Learn the where of health care.